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The short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) superfamily is involved in multiple physiological processes. In this study, genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of <i>SDR</i> superfamily were carried out in 29 animal species based on the latest genome databases. Overall, the number of <i>SDR</i> genes in animals increased with whole genome duplication (WGD), suggesting the expansion of <i>SDR</i>s during evolution, especially in 3R-WGD and polyploidization of teleosts. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that vertebrates SDRs were clustered into five categories: classical, extended, undefined, atypical, and complex. Moreover, tandem duplication of <i>hpgd-a, rdh8b</i> and <i>dhrs13</i> was observed in teleosts analyzed. Additionally, tandem duplications of <i>dhrs11-a</i>, <i>dhrs7a</i>, <i>hsd11b1b,</i> and <i>cbr1-a</i> were observed in all cichlids analyzed, and tandem duplication of <i>rdh10-b</i> was observed in tilapiines. Transcriptome analysis of adult fish revealed that 93 <i>SDR</i>s were expressed in more than one tissue and 5 in one tissue only. Transcriptome analysis of gonads from different developmental stages showed that expression of 17 <i>SDR</i>s were sexually dimorphic with 11 higher in ovary and 6 higher in testis. The sexually dimorphic expressions of these <i>SDRs</i> were confirmed by in situ hybridization (<i>ISH</i>) and qPCR, indicating their possible roles in steroidogenesis and gonadal differentiation. Taken together, the identification and the expression data obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding of SDR superfamily evolution and functions in teleosts.