Diplospinus Maul, 1948
Diagnosis: body elongate and compressed, its depth about 20 times in SL. Lower jaw projecting before the upper; tip of upper jaw with cartilaginous process. 3 fixed and 3-4 movable fang-like teeth in upper jaw anteriorly, 1 fang-like tooth each side of lower jaw anteriorly; no teeth on vomer. Anus approximately at middle of SL. 2 small free spines before anal fin and far behind anus. No dorsal and anal finlets.. D XXXII-XXXVI + 36-42; A II + 28-33, P 11-12; V 1. Scales absent. Lateral line single, mediolateral. Colour: silvery with narrow dark lines along the body; gill membranes black. Size: to 30 cm SL.
Habitat: oceanic, mesopelagic at 50 to about 500 m. Migrating upwards at night but not reaching surface. Food: crustaceans (euphausiids), juvenile fishes. Reproduction: throughout the year; fecundity about 1,200 eggs.
Distribution: off Madeira. Elsewhere, central water masses of all oceans.
Species 1.
Species of this genus in the program:
Diplospinus multistriatus