The genus (Greek for "scaleless lizard") refers to a group of large, predatory deep-sea fish commonly known as lancetfish . These prehistoric-looking creatures are known for their slender, lance-like bodies, enormous sail-like dorsal fins, and formidable fangs. As one of the largest predators in the "twilight zone," they can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length and are found in nearly every ocean except polar regions. Taxonomy and Species
There are two primary recognized species within the Alepisauridae family : alepisaurus
The more widely distributed and better-known species, characterized by a noticeably longer snout. The genus (Greek for "scaleless lizard") refers to
A slightly smaller and rarer relative with a shorter, more blunt snout. Physical Characteristics enormous sail-like dorsal fins