Melamphaeidae

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Melamphaeidae (Melampheidae; bighead, bigscale; subclass Actinopterygii, order Beryciformes) A small family of deep-sea fish that have a relatively large head supported by thin bones, a large mouth, and small eyes. The body, not deeper than the head, is covered by thin and large scales. The pectorals are as long as the single dorsal fin and much larger than the pelvic fins. Melamphaeidae are commonly found at depths of around 1000 m. There are about 20 species, distributed world-wide.

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