Unicorn crestfish

Eumecichthys fiski, the unicorn crestfish or unicornfish, is a very rare, little-known species of crestfish in the family Lophotidae, and the only member of the genus Eumecichthys. It likely has a worldwide distribution, having been first discovered offshore of Kalk Bay, South Africa, and subsequently reported from the Sea of Japan, southwest Florida, Clarion Island off Mexico, Hawaii, and India. Reports from the Bering Sea are likely erroneous. It is found in the bathypelagic zone, at depths around 1,000 m (3,300 ft).

==Description== This species has a highly elongate, ribbon-like body reaching up to 150 cm (59 in) in length. Its common name derives from a horn-like supraoccipital process projecting forward above the eyes. The upper jaw is protrusible, with small conical teeth adapted for seizing small fishes and pelagic invertebrates. The dorsal fin extends the full length of the body with 310–392 soft rays, the first three to five rays forming an elongated pennant at the cranial ridge. The pectoral fins contain 13–15 rays, while pelvic fins are absent. The anal fin contains 5–9 rays and is split in adults to form two rows of nubbins. The caudal fin has 12–13 rays, the lowermost being enlarged and bony. Coloration is silvery with 24–60 dark subvertical bands; dorsal and caudal fins are crimson.