Melamphaids

Melamphaids are a family of deep-sea ray-finned fish belonging to the order Stephanoberyci. They are commonly known as bullseyes or bigscales. Melamphaids are characterized by their relatively large heads, prominent spines, and rough, spiny scales. Their bodies are typically stout and compressed, with a single, continuous dorsal fin. They inhabit the bathyal and abyssal zones of oceans worldwide, typically found at depths ranging from 200 to 4,000 meters.

These fish are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and other small fish. They are often solitary and have been observed to be slow-moving, likely an adaptation to their deep-sea environment where food can be scarce. Melamphaids are not commercially important and are rarely encountered by humans due to their deep-sea habitat. Their small size and lack of significant economic value mean they are not extensively studied, and much about their life cycle, reproduction, and behavior remains unknown.

The family Melamphaidae includes several genera and a number of species. Notable genera include Melamphaes, Poromitra, and Scopelogadus. Their distribution is widespread, found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. While they share some characteristics with other deep-sea fish, their distinct spiny scales and head morphology set them apart.