#carangiformes

The Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is sequentially hermaphroditic, with most individuals maturing as males and becoming female after at least one spawning season. Thus most larger specimens are female. Monterey Bay Aquarium has deemed US and Vietnam-raised Barramundi as "Best Choice" under the Seafood Watch sustainability program, meaning that Barramundi farmed in the US and Vietnam are the most sustainable source of seafood.

A Barracuda (genus Sphyraena) (image 4) was featured in the movie Finding Nemo, where it ate Nemo’s mother and all of her eggs (except the one that produced Nemo, of course). However, a real barracuda does not eat fish eggs, and would not waste its time on such small prey. Barracudas use their sharp teeth and bursts of speed (up to 43 km/h [27 mph]) to take on larger fish prey, which may sometimes be as large as themselves, often by simply biting them in half! Barracuda species are often seen competing against mackerel, needlefish and sometimes even dolphins for prey.

Flatfish (suborder Pleuronectoidei) (image 2) are named for their behavior of lying one side of their laterally-compressed body flat against the seafloor. In this position, both of their eyes lie on the side of the head facing upwards, while the other side of the head and body (the "blind side”) lays on the substrate. This loss of symmetry happens during the juvenile’s metamorphosis: flatfish larvae start out with an eye on either side of their head, and over time one eye will migrate to the other side. This flattened appearance and behavior, along with their cryptic coloration, allows them to hide from both predators and prey “in plain sight” on the seafloor.

The Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), a demersal flounder, is one of the largest Actinopterygiians in the world. It can reach lengths of up to 4.7 m (15 ft) and weights of 320 kg (710 lb), and live up to 50 years.

The tonguefish Symphurus thermophilus is the only flatfish known to live exclusively around hydrothermal vents, often found in close association with elemental sulfur, including molten sulfur pools that exceed 180 °C in temperature.

Archerfish (genus Toxotes) (see gif above) are freshwater and brackish fish known for their ability to bring down insects and other prey up to 3 m (10 ft) above the water's surface, by accurately squirting a stream of water at them. These fish are some of the few animals that both make and use tools, as they both utilise the water and shape it to make it more useful to them. Archerfish are persistent and will make multiple shots if the first one fails. A 2006 experimental study found that young archerfish appear to benefit from observational learning by watching a fellow archerfish shoot, without having to practice

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Marlins (family Istiophoridae) (image 1) are ectothermic (“cold-blooded”), but they have special organs next to their eyes called heater cells which function to heat their eyes and brains. Their eyes are heated to temperatures measured between 10 and 15 °C (18 and 27 °F) above the surrounding water temperature. This heating greatly improves their vision and, consequently, their predatory efficacy.

Marlins can rapidly change color, an effect created by pigment-containing iridophores and light-reflecting skin cells. They usually light up their stripes just before attacking their prey, which they do by knifing their bill through schools of fish.

Marlins are apex predators, and may accumulate heavy metals as a result of being on the top of their food chain. This can make their meat dangerous to eat.

The Black Marlin (Istiompax indica) is possibly the fastest Actinopterygiian in the world, though its speed is often exaggerated by media. A 2016 study suggested a theoretical upper limit for the Black Marlin's burst speed of 36 kilometres per hour (22 mph), though there are reports of it reaching 129 km/h (80 mph).

Remoras, sometimes called Suckerfish or Sharksuckers, (family Echeneidae) are known for their distinctive first dorsal fins which take the form of a modified oval, sucker-like organ with slat-like structures that open and close to create suction and take a firm hold against the skin of larger marine animals. Remoras are often found attached to sharks, manta rays, whales, turtles, and dugong. Remoras sometimes attach to small boats, and have been observed attaching to divers as well. This is a mutualistic arrangement as the remora can move around on the host, removing ectoparasites and loose flakes of skin, while benefiting from the protection provided by the host and the constant flow of water across its gills.