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The acanthomorphs are also termed "spiny teleosts" because of the stiff spines these possess on their fins, which may be moved at the base by muscles, and serving a defensive function, as these make swallowing acanthomorphs much more challenging than spine-less forms.
The acanthomorphs also possess spiny "ctenoid" scales, toothed premaxilla, short and relatively rigid bodies, with most of the thurst being produced by rapid movements of the caudal-most body segment. This proves a great adaptation form speedy swimming: tunas can achieve seven times trouts' maximum speed!