Stomiiformes
Gonostomatoidei
Gonostomatidae - Bristlemouths
Sternoptychidae - Deep-sea hatchetfishes
Suborder Photichthyoidei
Photichthyidae - Lightfishes
Stomiidae - Barbeled dragonfishes
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Stomiiformes is an
order of
ray-finned fish that includes the
dragonfishes, lightfishes,
hatchetfishes, viperfishes, and loosejaws. It includes four families with a total of about 320 species.
Members of the order have luminescent organs called
photophores, and teeth on the
premaxilla and
maxilla, attached in a distinctive way. They may have chin
barbels and most have large mouths, extending back past the eyes. Several fins may be absent, and colors are typically dark brown or black. All are marine fish, and many are found only at great depths.
Reference
