Family Alepisauridae

Lancetfishes

Selected Characters: Long, high dorsal fin; adipose fin present; mouth large with well developed teeth; scales absent.

This is a family of pelagic and bathypelagic fishes found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the tropics to the arctic. They are among the largest deepsea fishes, reaching lengths of up to 2 meters. Lancetfishes are voracious predators, feeding on a variety of deepwater fishes, crustaceans, molluscs, octopuses, squid, and other invertebrates. These predators are in turn preyed upon by sharks, tunas, opahs and seals. Lancetfishes are known to be monoecious (both sexes occurring in the same individual), but little else has been discovered about their reproduction. There are two species in this family; one occurs in Puget Sound. The Longnose Lancetfish is not often encountered.

Puget Sound Species

Alepisaurus ferox Longnose Lancetfish