a. and sb. Zool. [f. ACANTHOPTERYGII + -AN.] Belonging to the spiny-finned fishes; substantively, a spiny-finned fish.
1835. Kirby, Habits & Inst. of An., II. xxi. 393. The Acanthopterygians, or spiny-rayed Fishes.
1855. Owen, Skel. & Teeth, 23. Those fishes which have one or more of the hard spines at the beginning of the pectoral, ventral, dorsal, and anal fins are called ‘acanthopterygian,’ or spiny-finned fishes.
1863. Burton, Book Hunter. If you speak of an Acanthopterygian, it is plain that you are not discussing perch in reference to its roasting or boiling merits.
