Epigonidae

Epigonidae is a family of ray-finned fishes within the order Zeiformes, commonly called the deepwater cardinalfishes. They are small to medium-sized, typically reaching a few tens of centimeters, with slender bodies, large eyes in many species, and a protractile mouth. The dorsal fin is often divided into a spiny anterior part and a soft-rayed posterior part; the anal and pectoral fins are well developed. Scales are typically ctenoid. Coloration is often pale or silvery, sometimes with faint bars or spots.

Distribution and habitat: They occur in tropical, subtropical, and temperate seas worldwide, mainly on continental shelves and slopes, at depths around 100–900 meters, with some species deeper. They are typically demersal or benthopelagic.

Biology: Epigonids feed primarily on crustaceans and small fishes. Reproduction is not well documented; most species are presumed to be oviparous, with eggs released into the water column or laid on substrata and developing into pelagic larvae.

Taxonomy and evolution: The family comprises several genera, including Epigonus; it is related to other zeiform fishes. The group is poorly studied compared with shallower-water relatives.

Economic importance: Epigonids have limited commercial value; they are occasionally caught as bycatch in demersal or deep-water trawls. Conservation status varies by species; several have insufficient data.