Aulopidae Explained

The Aulopidae are a small family of aulopiform fish. They are found in most tropical and subtropical oceans, and are commonly known as flagfins.

The aulopids resemble lizardfishes in appearance, and range up to 60cm (20inches) in length. They have large dorsal fins, the first ray of which is greatly extended. They are bottom-dwelling fish, living at depths of 1000m (3,000feet).^[1]

The earliest known member of the group is Nematonotus from the Cenomanian of Lebanon.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Book: Paxton, J.R. . Eschmeyer, W.N.. Johnson, R.K. . Eschmeyer, W.N. . amp . 1998. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Academic Press. San Diego. 124. 0-12-547665-5.
2. Davis . Matthew P. . Fielitz . Christopher . 2010-12-01 . Estimating divergence times of lizardfishes and their allies (Euteleostei: Aulopiformes) and the timing of deep-sea adaptations . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution . 57 . 3 . 1194–1208 . 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.09.003 . 1055-7903.