Lampriformes

The order Lampridiformes is a group of primitive, spiny-finned fishes that originated in the Cretaceous period. This order includes a few rare, deep-bodied forms like the opah, but is primarily characterized by elongated, ribbonlike fishes. Notable examples include the giant oarfish, which can reach up to 8 meters (25 feet) in length and is thought to be the source of sea-serpent legends. Ribbonfishes, belonging to the family Trachipteridae within Lampridiformes, are known for their slender bodies and upward-pointing caudal fins. Most lampridiforms are oceanic and little is known about their natural history, though metamorphosis is observed in some species.12345