Lophotidae
by G. Palmer
Ribbon-like fishes reaching at least 2 m; body elongate, compressed, tapering to caudal fin; anus located near posterior end of body. Head with an elevated occipital crest bearing anterior finrays of dorsal fin and extending forward to level of mouth or far beyond; mouth small, weakly protrusible; teeth conical in 1-3 irregular rows in both jaws, a small patch of teeth on vomer. Dorsal fin long-based and low, with 220-392 finrays, the anterior finrays more or less elongate; anal fin short, near the caudal fin; pectoral fins inserted horizontally; pelvic fins, when present, very small, laterally inserted below and slightly posterior to pectoral fins; caudal fin short and pointed. Scales very thin, fragile, cycloid; lateral line with smooth plates. An ink-sac discharging into the cloaca.
Large-sized mesopelagic fishes.
Genera 2; in Clofnam area 1.