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Idiacanthus atlanticus Brauer, 1906 Black dragonfish |
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photo by
Fischer, L.G. |
| Family: | Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Idiacanthinae | |||
| Max. size: | 53 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | bathypelagic; marine; depth range 1239 - 2000 m | |||
| Distribution: | Subtropical to temperate waters in the southern hemisphere, probably limited by the subtropical convergence. Incidentally found in sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 55-63; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 37-42. Pelvic fins with 6 rays (females), absent in males. | |||
| Biology: | Mesopelagic species (Ref. 75154). Pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are black, with well developed canine teeth, barbel and pelvic fins with six stripes. Males are dark-brown, have no teeth on maxilla and neither barbel nor pelvic fins (Ref. 47377). Apparently, females live below 500 m during the day and perform vertical migration at night to shallower depths; males always in deep water, ca 1,000-2,000 m (Ref. 5169). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 May 2013 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||