Astronesthes cyaneus (Brauer, 1902)
Astronesthes cyaneus
photo by Khan, M.M.

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Astronesthinae
Max. size:  10.8 cm SL (male/unsexed); 10.8 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 120 - 800 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: northern Madagascar to adjacent waters of the Ogasawara Islands and adjacent waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Also reported from the Philippine Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-21; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 13-17; Vertebrae: 48-49. A large luminous patch on opercular bones. Body uniformly black; its color pink in fresh condition, but whitish when preserved. AC continuous, almost in a straight line. Serial photopores numerous. IV with a prominent bend toward pectoral base. Barbel about as long as head in males, but minute in females.
Biology:  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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