However, a recent study provided evidence that the Holostei are the closest living relatives of the Teleostei, both within the Neopterygii.

Holosteans share with other non-teleost ray-finned fish a mixture of characteristics of teleosts and sharks.

In comparison with the other group of non-teleost ray-finned fish, the chondrosteans, the holosteans are closer to the teleosts and further from sharks: the pair of spiracles found in sharks and chondrosteans is reduced in holosteans to a remnant structure: in gars, the spiracles do not even open to the outside;[7] the skeleton is lightly ossified: a thin layer of bone covers a mostly cartilaginous skeleton in the bowfins.

[15][16][3] It is estimated that the last common ancestor of gars and bowfin lived at least 250 million years ago.

The gars have elongated jaws with fanlike teeth, only 3 branchiostegal rays, and a small dorsal fin.

Meanwhile the bowfins have a terminal mouth, 10–13 flattened branchiostegal rays, and a long dorsal fin.

[19] Actinistia (Coelacanths) Dipnoi (Lungfish) Amphibians Mammals Sauropsids (reptiles, birds) part of "Chondrostei"[b] Polypteridae (bichirs) Acipenseriformes (sturgeons, paddlefish) Teleostei 310 mya Holostei (bowfins, gars) 275 mya