Lophotus

Lophotus is a genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Lophotidae, which is part of the order Lophotiformes. The genus is monotypic, containing only one recognized species, Lophotus lacepede. This fish is commonly known as the "sawfish" or "sawtooth fish" due to the distinctive saw-like teeth on its lower jaw.

Lophotus lacepede is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the coast of Portugal to the Gulf of Guinea. It inhabits deep waters, typically at depths between 200 and 1,000 meters. The fish has a slender, elongated body with a large, triangular mouth filled with sharp teeth. Its eyes are small and located on the sides of its head. The coloration of Lophotus lacepede is usually a dull brown or gray, with a lighter underside.

The diet of Lophotus lacepede consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans. It is known to use its sharp teeth to catch prey and has been observed to feed on other deep-sea fish species. The reproductive biology of Lophotus lacepede is not well understood, but it is believed to be oviparous, meaning it lays eggs.

Lophotus lacepede is of interest to scientists due to its unique adaptations for deep-sea life, including its large size and sharp teeth. However, it is not considered a commercially important species and is not typically targeted by fisheries. Conservation status assessments are limited, but the species is not currently considered threatened. Further research is needed to better understand the biology and ecology of Lophotus lacepede and its role in deep-sea ecosystems.