| Family: |
Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Stomiinae |
| Max. size: |
30 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 20 - 800 m |
| Distribution: |
North Atlantic: north of 30°N. Replaced by Stomias boa boa off northern Africa and in the Mediterranean. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-21; Anal soft rays: 19-23; Vertebrae: 77-83. Body slender. Six rows of pigmented areas dorsal to lateral photophores. Photophores in ventral row separate, small teeth on each side of the symphysis. Black to dark brown, sides iridescent (Ref. 37473). |
| Biology: |
A mesopelagic species that lives deeper than 500 m during daylight and migrates to the upper 200 m at night. Observed by submersibles to position themselves horizontally in the water column with pelvic and pectoral fins spread wide, with barbel pointing forward. A predatory fish presumed to lie-and-wait and capable of quick bursts of speed (Ref. 86779). Feeds on midwater fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 4783). Oviparous. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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