Alepisaurus

Alepisaurus is a genus of predatory, pelagic fish known as lancetfishes, in the family Alepisauridae, order Lampriformes. They occur in open-ocean waters worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions, typically at depths ranging from near the surface to several hundred meters, with some nocturnal ascent into shallower waters to feed.

There are two living species: Alepisaurus ferox, the common lancetfish, and Alepisaurus brevirostris, the short-snouted lancetfish. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a narrow, pointed snout, a large mouth with sharp teeth, and a long dorsal fin that runs most of the back. The caudal fin is forked, and coloration is grey to brown, often with a pale belly. Adults can reach about 1.5 to 2 meters in length.

Diet consists mainly of squid, small fishes, and crustaceans. They are opportunistic and fast-swimming predators; juveniles may inhabit shallower waters, while adults are found at greater depths.

Reproduction is not well documented; like many lampriform fishes, they are presumed to be oviparous, with pelagic eggs, but specific details are limited.

Lancetfishes are not a major commercial species, but they are captured as bycatch in various pelagic fisheries and are sometimes processed for fish meal or oil in some regions. The genus has a fossil record dating back to at least the Eocene, reflecting a long-standing presence in open-ocean ecosystems.