To which Class, characterized by ray-finned structures, do bluefin tuna belong?
Answer
Actinopterygii
Bluefin tuna are definitively placed within the Class Actinopterygii. This classification identifies them as ray-finned fishes, which constitutes the largest and most diverse class among modern bony fishes. The defining feature of this class is that their fins are supported by bony, ray-like structures extending from the body structure. This placement is several steps above the Phylum Chordata, which they also belong to, but Actinopterygii specifically details their skeletal and appendage characteristics within the bony fish category.

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