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Do bony fish have ribs?

Published in Fish Anatomy 1 min read

Yes, bony fish have ribs.

Bony fish, also known as Osteichthyes, possess a skeleton composed of bone and cartilage. A key component of this skeleton is the rib cage. The skeleton includes the vertebral column, cranium, jaw, ribs, and intramuscular bones. These ribs provide support and protection for the internal organs.

The ribs in bony fish articulate with the vertebral column, extending ventrally (downwards) to encircle and protect the viscera (internal organs). The exact number and structure of the ribs can vary among different species of bony fish, but their fundamental role in supporting and protecting the body cavity remains consistent.

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