Photonectes caerulescens Regan & Trewavas, 1930
Bulbless dragonfish

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Melanostomiinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 2000 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: a single record at 6°N 25°W. Western Atlantic: Caribbean Sea and southern parts. Also known from the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-18; Anal soft rays: 21-21. Dorsal and anal rays conspicuous, not covered with thick skin. Barbel short, without distinct bulb. Presence of midventral blue luminous band (Ref. 37473).
Biology:  Mesopelagic (Ref. 7300, 75154) at ca. 800 m (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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