Chlorophthalmidae
(including Bathypteroidae, Benthosauridae, Ipnopidae)
by K. J. Sulak
Eyes in all genera probably specialized (Munk, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1966; Somiya, 1977), enlarged (Chlorophthalminae), greatly reduced (Bathypterois, Bathytyphlops, Bathymicrops) or peculiarly modified (Ipnops). Mouth terminal, non-protrusible, gape large, maxillae untoothed and broadly expanded posteriorly. Lower jaw protrudes slightly beyond upper jaw; terminates in a bony knob at symphysis. Snout broad, depressed, rounded in dorsal profile. Teeth typically minute, numerous, arranged in bands on the jaws. Scales cycloid, deciduous. Adipose fin present or absent. Pelvic fins set well forward; outer rays stiffened and used as props to support and elevate the body, especially in Bathypterois.
Demersal (except Parasudis, which feeds off the bottom) on continental shelf, slope, abyssal plain; 150-6,000 m. Common but rarely abundant; most probably solitary, except Chlorophthalmus, Parasudis. All are monoecious (Mead, 1960, 1966c, d, e; Mead, Bertelsen and Cohen, 1964; Nielsen, 1966). Larvae epipelagic (Chlorophthalminae) to probably mesopelagic (Ipnopinae). Chlorophthalmus is commercially utilized in the Mediterranean.
Genera 7; in Clofnam area 4.
Recent revisions: Marshall and Staiger (1975), Sulak (1977).