Family GEMPYLIDAE

A diverse group of small to medium-sized oceanic fishes found worldwide, mostly in tropical and subtropical waters. They have a fusiform to very long body, two separate dorsal fins, the second with a shorter base than the first, above the similar anal fin, followed by a series of finlets in some species; pelvic fins small in some species, reduced to a single spine in others, or absent. Mouth large with sharp robust teeth and a projecting lower jaw.

Gempylids are fast-swimming oceanic predators that are often found in deeper waters during the day, and migrating towards the surface at night.