Xiphiidæ.

Body elongate, compressed, naked, or covered with rudimentary dermal productions. Teeth none, or rudimentary. The upper jaw (ethmoid, vomer, and intermaxillaries) much produced, sword-shaped. One or two dorsal fins, without a distinctly spinous portion. Ventrals absent, or rudimentary and thoracic. Seven branchiostegals; pseudobranchiæ and air-bladder present. Pyloric appendages in great number.

Mediterranean; open seas between or near the tropics.

Histiophorus gladius. Port Jackson. "Sword-fish."