Centrolophidae

Centrolophidae is a family of perciform ray-finned fish, commonly known as medusafishes or barrelfishes. They are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, primarily in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. These fish are characterized by their elongated, compressed bodies, typically with a single, continuous dorsal fin. Their coloration can vary, but many species have silvery or dark bodies, often with dark fin margins.

The family Centrolophidae includes several genera and species, though their taxonomy has been subject to revision. Some well-known genera within this family include Centrolophus, Hyperoglyphe, and Schedophilus. Medusafishes are generally pelagic, meaning they inhabit the open ocean, and are often found in deeper waters, though some species may venture closer to the surface or coastlines.

Dietarily, centrolophids are typically carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are not of major commercial importance globally, but some species are caught in fisheries and consumed locally. Information regarding the reproductive habits and life cycles of many centrolophid species is limited due to their oceanic and often elusive nature. Their ecological role involves contributing to the marine food web as both predators and prey.