Distribution:
Circumglobal
Habitat:
Marine; warm waters in most oceans.
Remarks:
Crestfishes have elongate, ribbon-like body with cycloid scales that may fall off at a particular stage of growth. These specimens are rare and have been described as blackish-blue or silvery. The pelvic fin is usually absent or present with 2-6 rays; dorsal fin is long and originates above the tip of snout, totaling about 220-392 rays.
Crestfishes possess an extended organ that can discharge thick, squidlike ink though the cloaca. They can reach a maximum length of 200 cm.
The family consists of two genera, Lophotus and Eumecihthys, and possibly three species.
References:
Nelson 2006