Updated 11 May 2025
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Metavelifer Walters 1960 metá (Gr. μετά), after, i.e., after Velifer, “assuming [this] genus is more specialized than Velifer”

Metavelifer multiradiatus (Regan 1907) multi– (L.), many; radiatus (L.), rayed, referring to more dorsal- and anal-fin rays compared with Velifer hypselopterus, its presumed congener at the time

Velifer Temminck & Schlegel 1850 velum (L.), sail; fero (L.), to have or bear, referring to elevated dorsal fin, resembling a sail [proposed without species, which explains why genus predates species]

Velifer hypselopterus Bleeker 1879 high-finned, from hypsēlós (Gr. ὑψηλός), high, and pterus, from pterón (Gr. πτερόν) or ptéryx (πτέρυξ), fin, referring to elevated dorsal fin