Stephanoberycidae

Stephanoberycidae is a family of ray-finned fishes in the order Stephanoberycoidei. This family contains only one living species, Stephanoberyx monae, commonly known as the spinecheek or lanternfish. There are also several extinct genera and species attributed to this family, indicating a broader evolutionary history. The family is characterized by a variety of anatomical features, including prominent spines and specific arrangements of fin rays. Stephanoberycidae are typically found in deep-sea environments. Their distribution is widespread, with specimens having been collected from various oceanic regions. Information regarding the specific diet and reproductive habits of Stephanoberycidae is limited due to their elusive nature and the challenges of deep-sea research. However, like many deep-sea fishes, they are presumed to be predators or scavengers. The classification of Stephanoberycidae within the broader phylogenetic tree of fishes has been subject to revision as new genetic and morphological data becomes available. Current understanding places them within the percomorph clade, though their precise relationships are still being elucidated. The study of Stephanoberycidae contributes to our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and the evolutionary adaptations of fishes to extreme environments.