Lophodolos acanthognathus Regan, 1925
Whalehead dreamer
photo by DESCNA

Family:  Oneirodidae (Dreamers)
Max. size:  7.9 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 650 - 1500 m
Distribution:  Tropical to temperate parts of all oceans.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-7; Anal soft rays: 4-6. Describes female specimens (males not yet known) (Ref. 12204). Caudal fin rounded (Ref. 12204). Dark brown to black in color, parts of the esca unpigmented and silvery-white (Ref. 12204). Distinguishing characteristics of metamorphosed female: length of illicium greater than 25% SL in specimens 30 mm and larger; escal bulb width 4.4-6.7% SL in specimens 25 mm and larger; long escal appendages, length 10.2-20.9% SL in specimens 25 mm and larger, 8.7-22.2% SL in specimens less than 25mm; long sphenotic spine, length 4.1-9.2% SL in specimens 30 mm and larger; long quadrate spine, length 2.9-6.5% SL in specimens 30mm and larger (Ref. 86949).
Biology:  Reaches depths greater than 1,500 m and probably not uncommon below 650 m (Ref. 12204).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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