Viperfishes [Chauliodontidae]

Description

Chauliodontidae, commonly known as viperfishes, are characterized by their fearsome appearance, with large mouths, fang-like teeth, and hinged lower jaws. They are also bioluminescent, with several species having light organs along their bodies to attract prey. Viperfishes are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, usually at depths of 200 to 5,000 meters. They are ambush predators, remaining motionless and using their bioluminescence to lure prey close enough to capture.

Genera

Taxonomy