# acanthopteran

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acanthopteran
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a group of fish that have a special kind of scale called cycloid scales. These scales are smooth and round, and they are found in many types of bony fish.

For teachers: a group of bony fish characterized by the presence of cycloid scales, which are smooth and rounded. This term is primarily used in ichthyology to classify certain orders of ray-finned fish.

## Examples

- The acanthopteran has smooth, round scales.
- The biologist identified the specimen as an acanthopteran based on the distinctive pattern of its cycloid scales.
- While the acanthopteran is a broad classification, it serves as a useful starting point for researchers studying the evolutionary transition from primitive to more modern bony fish structures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.