Chlorophthalmidae

views updated

Chlorophthalmidae (cucumberfish, green-eye; subclass Actinopterygii, order Myctophiformes) A small family of marine, coastal fish that have an elongate body, large eyes (appearing green in live fish), a single dorsal fin followed by a small adipose fin, and a forked tail fin. In Australia, Chlorophthalmus nigripinnis (cucumberfish), found in the cooler southern waters, derives its name from the smell emanating from the skin. There are about 20 species, with world-wide distribution.