Eustomias australensis Gibbs, Clarke & Gomon, 1983
Australian dragonfish

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Melanostomiinae
Max. size:  8.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 500 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: Endemic to New South Wales, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-23; Anal soft rays: 36-36; Vertebrae: 67-67. Two terminal bulbs separated by a distance equal to the distal bulb length. Barbel 55% SL. Terminal filament longer than 9.4% SL with the tip broken. Distal bulb large, 1.6 times length of proximal bulb. Axis of stem pigmented, dark proximally, light distally. External chevron-shaped or roundish striated area on stem well pigmented. Middorsal paired spots between occiput and dorsal-fin origin 8 (Ref. 11333).
Biology:  Mesopelagic species (Ref. 7300, 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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