Distribution:
Indian and western part of mid-Pacific.
Habitat:
Marine; near-shore.
Remarks:
In Latin, “velum” means sail and “fero” means “to carry”; in other words, velifer is referred as a “fish carrying sails.” Velifers are uniquely distinguished by their long and large sail-like dorsal and anal fins. They have deep and compressed bodies, approximately 8-9 pelvic fin rays, swim bladder reaching past the anus, six branchiostetal rays and 33-34 vertebrae.
Velifers are usually found inshore along the Indian and western part of mid-Pacific Ocean.
Maximum length about 40 cm.
The family consists of two monotypic genera, Velifer and Metavelifer.
References:
Nelson 2006; FishBase 2008