Family VELIFERIDAE

Veliferidae

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Introduction

Reviewed by Walters (1960), the Veliferidae comprise two monotypic genera, although this has been questioned by some authors, including Olney (1999), who consider that both species belong to the genus Velifer. Both species are found in Australian waters.

Veilfins are moderately deepwater fishes of the Indian and Pacific Oceans off the continental shelves and upper continental shelves. They are characterised by having a deep body and very high dorsal and anal fins with thick scaly sheaths at their bases. Maximum length for the family is 30 cm.

General References

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068.

Walters, V. 1960. Synopsis of the lampridiform suborder Veliferoidei. Copeia 1960(3): 245-247

Common Name References

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1966] (FAO) (Velifers)

Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J. & Leyland, G.G. 1984. Continental Shelf Fishes of Northern and North-Western Australia. Canberra : Fisheries Information Service 375 pp. figs & pls. [88] (Veilfins)

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