Tentoriceps is a monotypic genus of cutlassfish, family Trichiuridae, from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The sole species is Tentoriceps cristatus.[1] Its common name is crested hairtail.
Tentoriceps cristatus has Indo-West Pacific distribution: it is found in the Indian Ocean (including the Red Sea) and in the Western Pacific Ocean, between the Tasman Sea and southern Japan. It is a benthopelagic to pelagic species that occurs in coastal waters 30m-110mm (100feet-360feetm) deep, but avoids areas of low salinity.
Typical for cutlassfishes, Tentoriceps cristatus has extremely elongate and strongly compressed, ribbon-like body, tapering to a point. The dorsal profile of head is evenly convex. It grows to a maximum length of about 90cm (40inches) TL, but common length is 30cm-70cmcm (10inches-30inchescm) TL.[2]
Tentoriceps cristatus is a minor commercial species caught mainly mixed with other cutlassfish in southeast Asian countries.[2]