Idiacanthus atlanticus Brauer, 1906
Black dragonfish
Idiacanthus atlanticus
photo by Fischer, L.G.

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Idiacanthinae
Max. size:  53 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 1239 - 2000 m
Distribution:  Subtropical to temperate waters in the southern hemisphere, probably limited by the subtropical convergence. Incidentally found in sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 55-63; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 37-42. Pelvic fins with 6 rays (females), absent in males.
Biology:  Mesopelagic species (Ref. 75154). Pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are black, with well developed canine teeth, barbel and pelvic fins with six stripes. Males are dark-brown, have no teeth on maxilla and neither barbel nor pelvic fins (Ref. 47377). Apparently, females live below 500 m during the day and perform vertical migration at night to shallower depths; males always in deep water, ca 1,000-2,000 m (Ref. 5169).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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