Derichthyidae
(including Nessorhamphidae, Clofnam 85)
by M.-L. Bauchot and L. Saldanha
Body elongate, scaleless, compressed posteriorly, constricted between head and pectoral fins in Derichthys; anus behind midpoint of body. Snout blunt or long; eyes well developed. Mouth reaching to or almost to posterior eye margin. Dorsal fin beginning behind pectoral fin tip; pectoral fins well developed; caudal fin truncate, confluent with dorsal and anal fins. Lateral line present, with 80-132 pores.
Epi- to bathypelagic fishes down to 2,000 m. Feeding mainly on crustaceans. Reproduction in warm hydrological season. Transparent larval stage (leptocephalus) with metamorphosis.
Genera 2, both in area.
Recent revision: Castle (1970).