n.
Any of more than 24,000 species of cold-blooded vertebrate s found worldwide in fresh and salt water.
Living species range from the primitive lamprey s and hagfish es through the cartilaginous shark s, skate s, and ray s to the abundant and diverse bony fish es. Species range in length from 0.4 in. (10 mm) to more than 60 ft (20 m). The body is generally tapered at both ends. Most species that inhabit surface or midwater regions are streamlined or are flattened side to side; most bottom dwellers are flattened top to bottom. Tropical species are often brightly coloured. Most species have paired fins and skin covered with either bony or toothlike scales. Fish generally respire through gills. Most bony fishes have a swim bladder, a gas-filled organ used to adjust swimming depth. Most species lay eggs, which may be fertilized externally or internally. Fishes first appeared more than 450 million years ago.