---
cited_by: []
definition: 'Perciforms, or perch-like fish, form the largest order of fish, the largest order of vertebrates and comprise at least a third of all fish species. They are distinguished by  pectoral fins on the sides; spines on the dorsal and anal fins; pelvic fins on the abdomen with one spine and up to five soft rays; dorsal and anal fins that are detached from the caudal (tail) fin, and jaw that can be thrust outward to suck food into the mouth.'
href: https://data.globalchange.gov/gcmd_keyword/85b2ba83-b81c-45a6-98d1-07b36040fe45.yaml
identifier: 85b2ba83-b81c-45a6-98d1-07b36040fe45
label: PERCH-LIKE FISHES
parent_identifier: c69cde73-7bd9-489b-a20b-bd23cfb82d92
uri: /gcmd_keyword/85b2ba83-b81c-45a6-98d1-07b36040fe45