Typhlonus, Günther, Albert C. L. G., 1878

Günther, Albert C. L. G., 1878, Preliminary notices of deep-sea fishes collected during the voyage of the H. M. S. “ Challenger ”, Annals and Magazine of Natural History 5 (2), pp. 17-28 : 21

Typhlonus , g. n. Ophidiid .

Head large, compressed, with most of the bones in a cartilaginous condition; the superficial bones with large muciferous cavities not armed. Snout a thick protuberance, projecting beyond the mouth, which is rather small, inferior. Trunk very short, the vent being below the pectoral; tail thin, strongly compressed, tapering, without separate caudal. Eye externally not visible, reduced to a minute rudiment hidden below the skin. Bands of villifonn teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and palatine bones. Barbel none. Ventrals reduced to simple filaments, placed close together on the humeral symphysis. Gill-openings very Avide, the gill-membranes being but slightly united in front. Gills four; gilllamime rather short, gill-rakers of moderate length. Scales thin, deciduous, small.