ABSTRACT
The stephanoberyciform family Barbourisiidae is monotypic, with Barbourisia rufa occurring in tropical and temperate waters of all major oceans. Juveniles are mesopelagic and many large adults are benthopelagic. The redvelvet whalefish lacks fin spines and has an abdominal pelvic fin, posterior and opposite dorsal and anal fins, broad lateral-line tube with small pores and internal supporting scales, a large snout and horizontal mouth with jaws extending beyond the posterior margin of the orbit. The most distinctive features are small, non-imbricate scales with a central spine giving a velvet texture to the head and body and red color that fades to white after preservation.
