Taketidae

Taketidae is a taxonomic grouping within the order Lophiiformes, commonly known as anglerfishes. The family status of Taketidae has been variable, and different taxonomic authorities have treated it as a distinct family or as a grouping within other Lophiiformes families. Consequently, the exact composition, including the number of genera and species assigned to Taketidae, is not consistently defined across sources.

When recognized, Taketidae members are deep-sea fishes that share the general anglerfish morphology. They typically possess a illicium and esca, a protrusible jaw, and large mouths adapted for predation. Like other anglerfishes, they are benthic or demersal and employ their lure to attract prey in dimly lit habitats.

Habitat and distribution data for Taketidae are limited and vary by genus; the fishes are associated with deep-sea environments in oceans worldwide, often at profound depths. Some genera may show regional or bathymetric preferences.

Conservation status is not well established in the literature, reflecting the overall uncertainty about the group's taxonomic boundaries and rarity of encounters.

See also: Lophiiformes; Anglerfish.