The Perciformes are an order of bony fishes and occur worldwide in all types of waters. They include about 10,000 species, of which approximately 20% are freshwater fishes. Additionally, about 40% of all fish belong to the perch-like fishes. Recently, there have been new insights into the systematics of Perciformes.
The name Perciformes is derived from the Greek word “perke” (perch) and the Latin word “forma” (form). Accordingly, it translates literally to “perch form.” Sometimes they are also referred to as Serraniformes or perch fishes.
