Bathylagidae
by D. M. Cohen
Mouth small; jaw teeth compressed, in single rows, no teeth on maxillae or premaxillae. Branchiostegal rays two on each side. Finrays soft, a single rayed dorsal and a dorsal adipose in most; pectoral fins originating close to ventral surface of body. Swimbladder absent.
Oceanic, meso- to bathypelagic. Locally abundant, more common in the north. Feeding on plankton. Pelagic eggs and larvae, some larvae with stalked eyes. Caught singly or in aggregations. No commercial importance but variable importance as forage.
Genera 1 or 2; in Clofnam area 1.