Exotic Tropical Hatchetfish Argyropelecus

Description: The genus Argyropelecus is also known by the common name of Hatchetfish; obviously derived from their unusual body shape. They are mostly deep-bodied, compressed fishes which have a sharp "blade" along the lower margin of the body and a "handle" formed by the posterior half of the body. One of the distinguishing characters of the genus Argyropelecus is the presence of a bony blade in front of the dorsal fin. Hatchetfishes are deep sea fishes which have upward-directed eyes and light-producing photophores. This specimen is in excellent condition. Note the photo of the collecting locality.