[3] Due to recent scientific advancements and increased deep-sea expeditions, the Ipnops genus now divided into three species (I.agassizi, I.meadi, I.murrayi) based on geographic location.

Due to their rarity, and lack of photos, the three species of Ipnops (I. agassizi, I. meadi and I. murrayi) are distinguished by the depth and location of which they reside.

All Ipnops are generally characterized as long and slender fish lacking traditional ocular lenses found on most marine organisms.

In place of eyes, grideye fish have flat bony membranes on top of their skull which act as photosensitive plates.

Some scientists hypothesized that the plates serve as an adaptive protection mechanism, helping the Ipnops detect bioluminescence from predators.