Astronesthes splendidus Brauer, 1902
Splendid snaggletooth

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Astronesthinae
Max. size:  12 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 1 - 800 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-20. No large luminous patch on opercular bones. Body uniformly black. AC photopores forming a continuous, but distinctly arched line. IP and the anterior PV forming a straight line. Maxillary teeth 20 to 21. Barbel with bulb bearing several filaments.
Biology:  Epi- and mesopelagic (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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