Updated 31 March 2025
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Bathysaurus Günther 1878 bathýs (Gr. βαθύς), deep, referring to deep-sea habitat of both species (up to 4361 m in B. mollis); saurus, from saúra (Gr. σαύρα), lizard, but here likely referring to its similar body shape to the synodontid genus Saurus (=Saurida)

Bathysaurus ferox Günther 1878 Latin for fierce or ferocious, probably referring to its enormous mouth, filled with multiple series of long, needle-like teeth

Bathysaurus mollis Günther 1878 Latin for soft, probably referring to its adipose fin, which B. ferox lacks