viperfish

fish

Also known as: Chauliodus

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Related Topics:: bioluminescence; deep-sea fish; marine bioluminescence; Pacific viperfish

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viperfish, any of nine species of marine fishes belonging to the genus Chauliodus (order Stomiiformes). They are found in tropical regions of the major oceans. The viperfishes are deep-sea dwellers and have luminescent organs along the sides; the lights sometimes function in the attraction of other fishes on which they feed. The name viperfish comes from the long fangs that protrude from the upper and lower jaws, used to firmly grip struggling prey. All of the species are small, the largest being the Pacific viperfish (C. macouni), which attains a length of 30 centimetres (1 foot).

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.