Article
Article
Myctophiformes
Article By:
Boschung, Herbert T. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.803100
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- Myctophiformes, published June 2014:Download PDF
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An order of teleost fishes comprising the lanternfishes and the blackchins. Members of the order Myctophiformes are actinopterygian (ray-finned) fishes with deep-sea pelagic (living in the open oceans or seas) and benthopelagic (bottom-dwelling) habits. Individuals are characterized by a compressed head and body, usually large lateral eyes, a large terminal mouth and adipose fin, and usually eight pelvic rays. There are two families: Myctophidae (lanternfishes) and Neoscopelidae (blackchins). See also: Actinopterygii; Deep-sea fauna; Teleostei
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