989 . 
Body compressed. Head moderate, compressed. Snout short, 
broadly triangular as seen above, front profile subvertical and not 
projecting much before front border of mouth, without enlarged med¬ 
ian or lateral tubercles. Eye advanced, circular or slightly oval. 
Mouth rather large, subterminal, upper jaw more than l/3 of head 
reaches to middle of or behind eye. Mandibular barbel present. Vil- 
liform teeth in bands in jaws, outer upper row more or less enlarged. 
Gill membranes united below orbit, scarcely joined to isthmus. Gill 
rakers 13 to 15 short spineseent tubercles on second arch# Branchios- 
tegals 7, rarely 6* Scales imbricate* covered with spinules, arranged 
in parallel rows or quincunx order. Two lens-like organs* front one 
before ventral3 and posterior longer in naked area immediately before 
vent, present or not# lateral canal systan well developed# First 
dorsal, pectoral and ventral, nearly in same vertical# Second simple 
ray of first dorsal fin with strong or obsolete row of spinules aloiqg 
its front edge# Anal origin below end of first dorsal# 
Tropical and subtropical deep seas# 
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