Medusa Dragonfish
📖 Overview
Medusa Dragonfish (Eustomias medusa) is a ray-finned fish of the family Stomiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 15 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 710 metres. With a trophic level of 4.3, it is an apex predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 24; Anal soft rays: 38; Vertebrae: 68. Two terminal bulbs separated by an interspace, 1.4-3.6 times the length of distal bulb. Barbel length mostly 36-65% SL. Terminal filaments 7-10, arising together from distal bulb or from a short stem; all prominent bulblets of various sizes and with side branches distally; 1 filament a little thicker than others and usually forked. Pigment in filament axes variably present or absent. Distal bulb small, ovoid, usually with an abruptly narrowed distal end, 1.5- 3 times proximal-bulb length, which is very small. Axis of stem and between bulbs usually pigmented, variably light or dark, sometimes unpigmented. A black spot almost always present at proximal end of distal bulb; usually partially capping base of bulb. External chevron-shaped or roundish striated areas on stem pigmented or not. Middorsal paired spots between occiput and dorsal-fin origin 8, sometimes 7 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Medusa Dragonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Medusa Dragonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Medusa Dragonfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 0 - 710 m . Deep-water North Pacific.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Medusa Dragonfish |
| 🌍CES | svítivka medúzová |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-dragão-medusa |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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