Bristlemouths [Gonostomatidae]

Description

Gonostomatidae, or bristlemouths, are small, slender fish with large mouths and long, bristle-like teeth, which give them their common name. They are among the most abundant of the deep-sea fishes and play a significant role in the ocean's ecology as a food source for larger predators. Bristlemouths possess numerous small photophores along their undersides, which may help in schooling and avoiding predation. They are found in oceans worldwide, typically at depths between 200 and 1,000 meters.

Genera

Taxonomy