Genome-wide phylogeny reshapes our understanding of the evolution of deep-sea dragonfishes, bristlemouths, viperfishes, and allies (Stomiiformes).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The evolutionary relationships within Stomiiformes, a diverse order of deep-sea fishes dominating the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, remain contentious due to conflicting morphological and molecular evidence. These fishes, comprising 464 species across four traditionally recognized families (Gonostomatidae, Sternoptychidae, Phosichthyidae, and Stomiidae), exhibit remarkable adaptations such as bioluminescence, ultra-black pigmentation, and extreme jaw morphologies. Their global abundance and ecological significance, including contributions to the biological carbon pump, underscores the need to resolve their phylogeny amid escalating threats from climate change and human activities.

Results

We conducted the most comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Stomiifor

SUBMITTER: Chang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12542184 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature