Which taxonomic rank places *Pristella maxillaris* among fish possessing a notochord that develops into a vertebral column?
Answer
Phylum Chordata
The classification of *Pristella maxillaris* into the Phylum Chordata directly indicates that this organism possesses a notochord during some stage of its development, which subsequently matures into a vertebral column, placing it within the broader group encompassing all vertebrates. This phylum designation separates chordates from invertebrate groups. While Class Actinopterygii defines its ray-finned nature and Family Characidae places it among related small tropical fish, it is the Phylum Chordata that specifically addresses the presence of the defining skeletal element—the backbone—derived from the notochord structure.
Related Questions
What is the definitive scientific designation for the X-Ray Tetra?What feature defines the Class Actinopterygii to which Pristella maxillaris belongs?What significant grouping does the Order Characiformes unite X-Ray Tetra with?What anatomical feature identifies Genus Pristella within Family Characidae?Why is the X-Ray Tetra affectionately called the X-Ray Fish?What historical name is frequently cited as a synonym for Pristella maxillaris?What is the highest taxonomic rank indicating *Pristella maxillaris* is multicellular and heterotrophic?What water quality consideration is prompted by knowing the X-Ray Tetra's Order Characiformes lineage?Which taxonomic rank places *Pristella maxillaris* among fish possessing a notochord that develops into a vertebral column?Who established the current accepted scientific name Pristella maxillaris and in what year?