Neonesthes microcephalus Norman, 1930
Smallhead snaggletooth
Neonesthes microcephalus
photo by SFSA

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Astronesthinae
Max. size:  17.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 600 - 1600 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: south of about 3°N, mostly south of 15°S. Across the south Atlantic between 15° and 40°S. One specimen known from 3°S-26°W. Also known from the southern Indian and west Pacific oceans and off Hawaii.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 21-24. Body black in color, often iridescent (Ref. 3982).
Biology:  Bathypelagic (Ref. 58302) and mesopelagic species (Ref. 4465, 75154). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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