| Fish are separated into two major groups: bony fish, which have skeletons made of rigid bone, and cartilaginous fish, which have skeletons made of elastic cartilage. Bony fish make up the large majority of all fishes. Their skeleton has the same general structural components as other vertebrates: a skull, spinal column, limbs, and a tail. Among other functions, the bones of the skeleton provide fish with structural support, protect their internal organs, and store the mineral calcium. |