Stomias atriventer Garman, 1899
Black-belly dragonfish
Stomias atriventer
photo by Briones-Mendoza, J.

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Stomiinae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 1500 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Mexico (Ref. 2850) and Chile (Ref. 27363).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-20; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 16-22; Vertebrae: 69-74. Body black to dark brown. Barbel stem pale, one black spot at base of bulb. Bulb pale, filament black (Ref. 27363).
Biology:  Usually found at less than 305 m depth (Ref. 2850). Feed mainly on crustaceans and lanternfishes (Ref. 4525). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 35900).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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