This document provides information about bony fishes, including: - Bony fishes make up about half of all vertebrate species, with over 25,000 species classified. They show great diversity and are classified mainly at the order or family level. - Characteristics of bony fishes include the presence of a swim bladder or lungs, bones, bony scales, and fin rays. - Ray-finned fishes are the most numerous and diverse group, with fins attached by fin rays. They are divided into subclasses with cartilaginous or bony skeletons and different tail and scale structures.