Pachystomias microdon (Günther, 1878)
Smalltooth dragonfish
Pachystomias microdon
photo by SFSA

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Melanostomiinae
Max. size:  22.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 660 - 4000 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: scattered records from 50°N-31°N, then between 16°N-18°S and from 28°S-37°S but not taken close to the continent south of the equator. Western Atlantic: scattered records from 40°N-13°N. Also known from the Indian and Pacific oceans. South China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-24; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 23-28. Body moderately elongated, slightly compressed. Snout shorter than eye. Jaws slender, gape slightly curved upward. Barbel slender, tapering without a bulb. Velvety dark brown to black (Ref. 37473).
Biology:  Meso- (Ref. 27000) and bathypelagic (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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