Rondeletiidae
by J. R. Paxton
Small pelagic fishes of orange-brown colour. Head moderate, mouth moderate and terminal; eye small. No fin spines. Dorsal and anal fins opposite and posterior with 13-16 rays; pectoral with 9- 11 rays; pelvic fins abdominal with 5-6 rays. Abdominal ribs present. Skin naked, no lateral line scales; lateralis system not cavernous, consisting of vertical rows of lateral line papillae on body. Vertebrae 24-27. Stomach and abdominal area not highly distensible.
Little known of general biology; rare mesopelagic and bathypelagic fishes, largest size 110 mm; one species eats crustaceans.
Genera 1.
Recent revisions: Paxton (1974—family synopsis).