Family Moridae
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The Moridae family contains approximately 20 genera. About 10 of these, including the distinctive Lepidion eques, occur in the North East Atlantic area. Most of the Moridae are considered to be benthopelagic at bathyal or abyssal depths. While not thought to be common, some species are caught often (Whitehead et al., 1986a).
Species identification relies in part on the differences of the first dorsal fin. From a distant visual perspective the Moridae are identified by their narrow caudal peduncle.
During the present survey, Moridae species were recorded regularly from the Rockall Bank, the Porcupine Bank and Bight, and the Darwin Mounds. They were generally observed either resting on the seabed or gently hovering a short distance above it. On transitional zone areas, the Moridae were often adjacent to coral outcrops. While these outcrops gave some degree of cover, the fish did not appear to be using them as places to hide. They did not appear to be disturbed by the presence of the camera.
The family do not appear to be of commercial importance.
There is more information available for this family in FishBase.
Prepared by: Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd www.ecoserve.ie