An order of somewhat intermediate position among actinopterygian fishes. It shares with the perciforms fin spines and ctenoid scales, an upper jaw bordered by the premaxillae, a ductless swim bladder, and absence of a mesocoracoid. An orbitosphenoid bone is present, as is typical of many lower teleosts. The pelvic fins are thoracic or subabdominal in position, and each has a spine and 3 to 13 (usually more than 5) soft rays; the pelvic girdle is most often attached to the cleithra; and there are 18 or 19 principal caudal rays.