Aristostomias lunifer Regan & Trewavas, 1930
photo by SFSA

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Malacosteinae
Max. size:  17 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 120 - 1280 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Madeira to the Canary Islands (Ref. 6684). Western Atlantic: USA to the Caribbean Sea, and off Brazil. Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951). Indian Ocean: 5°N to 12°S. Western Pacific: South China Sea and north of western New Guinea. Eastern Pacific: record at 8°N 160°W and near the Hawaiian Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-26; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 25-30
Biology:  Mesopelagic species (Ref. 4469). Also Ref. 58302.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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