Spariformes is an order of ray-finned fishes consisting of 6 families within the series Percomorpha.
| Spariformes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Clade: | Percomorpha |
| Order: | Spariformes Bleeker, 1860 |
| Families | |
See text | |
Taxonomy
Spariformes was first used as a taxonomic term in 1860 by the Dutch physician, herpetologist and ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker.[1] Traditionally the taxa within the Spariformes were classified within the Perciformes, with some authorities using the term "Sparoid lineage" for the families Centracanthidae, Nemipteridae, Lethrinidae and Sparidae.[2] Since then the use of molecular phylogenetics in more modern classifications has meant that the Spariformes is recognised as a valid order within the Percomorpha containing six families, with Callanthidae, Sillaginidae and Lobotidae included.[3] Other workers have found that the Centracanthidae is synonymous with Sparidae and that the Spariformes contains only the remaining three families of the "Sparoid lineage".[4] Studies have further suggested that the order Tetraodontiformes are the closest taxonomic grouping to the Spariformes.[5]
Families
Spariformes contains the following six families, according to the 5th edition of Fishes of the World:[3][6]
- Callanthiidae Ogilby, 1899 (Splendid perches or groppos)
- Sillaginidae Richardson, 1846 (Sillagos)
- Lobotidae Gill, 1861 (Tripletails)
- Nemipteridae Regan, 1913 (Threadfin breams)
- Lethrinidae Bonaparte, 1831 (Emperor breams)
- Sparidae Rafinesque, 1818 (Porgies)