 Etmopteridae is a family commonly known as lanternsharks because the photophores on their ventral side produce light, making them bioluminescent.The family Etmopteridae is split into 5 genera; the largest of these genera is "Etmopterus", of which there are 41 species, including the Fringefin lanternshark.Fringefin lanternsharks are named for the distinct fringing created by ceratotrichia on the edge of their fins.