Astronesthes formosanus Liao, Chen & Shao, 2006

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Astronesthinae
Max. size:  9.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 318 - 1129 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Taiwan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20; Anal soft rays: 13-15; Vertebrae: 46-48. This species is characterized by having the IP photophores curved rather than linear; presence of a luminous tissue prominent on gill cover between preopercle and opercle in larger specimens (SL > 50 mm), lower part more prominent than upper; posterior part of lower jaw with a pair of prominent irregular luminous tissues; moor luminous head, jaws, dorsum, and body; chin barbel long, about 0.2-0.8 times head length, increasing with fish size; terminal end of barbel slightly swollen, apical tip rounded (Ref. 75891).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 18 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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