family Alepisauridae

Body very elongate, oval; caudalpeduncle subcylindrical with keel oneach side. Head wedge-shaped, mouth large, its posterior margin far reachingbyind hide edge of orbit. Teeth in jawsand palate strong caniform. Dorsal finlong, adipose fin present; pectoral finson belly; caudal fin forked. Dorsal finwith 39-42 rays; anal fins with 15-17rays; pelvic with 14-15 rays.