Does the pufferfish belong to class osteichthyes?

Yes, pufferfish belong to the class Osteichthyes, which is the class of bony fishes.

Here's why:

* Bony Skeleton: Pufferfish have a bony skeleton, which is a defining characteristic of Osteichthyes.

* Swim Bladder: They possess a swim bladder, another key feature of bony fishes that helps them control buoyancy.

* Operculum: Pufferfish have an operculum, a bony flap that covers their gills and allows them to breathe efficiently.

Therefore, pufferfish are definitively members of the class Osteichthyes.