"Deep sea fishes, with elongate, much compressed, naked bodies."
Distribution.—Europe, East Indies, West Coast of South America, New Zealand. Dr. Günther remarks, that little is known of these fishes, from their being so seldom thrown on shore, and then rapidly decomposing. The Ribbon-fish (Regalecus banksii) has occurred frequently on our shores. They have soft bones and muscles, small mouths, and weak dentition.
Family 28.—LOPHOTIDÆ. (1 Genus, 1 Species.)
"A marine fish, with elongate compressed naked body, and high crested head."
Distribution.—Mediterranean Sea and Japan.
Family 29.—TEUTHIDIDÆ. (1 Genus, 29 Species.)
"Marine, herbivorous fishes, with compressed, oblong, small-scaled bodies."
Distribution.—Eastern tropical seas, from Bourbon and the Red Sea to the Marianne and Fiji Islands.
Family 30.—ACRONURIDÆ. (5 Genera, 64 Species.)
"Marine, herbivorous fishes, with compressed, minutely-scaled bodies."