Blackmark Dragonfish
📖 Overview
Blackmark Dragonfish (Eustomias melanostigma) 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 13.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 1000 metres. With a trophic level of 4.2, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 26; Anal soft rays: 37 - 38; Vertebrae: 68. Barbel with two terminal bulbs, distal one bearing tuft of filaments ; separated by a long interspace, 1.7-3.8 times the length of distal bulb in specimens larger than 7 cm SL. Barbel length 31-82% SL except when developing. Terminal filaments short, 3-7 (less than 10% SL) without prominent bulblets, arising together from distal bulb or from a short distal stem; 1 filament thicker and longer than the rest. Some or all filaments with pigmented axes. Distal bulb ovoid , only slightly longer than wide, 1.2-2.5 times proximal-bulb length. Axis of stem and between bulbs variably pigmented; a black spot or cap almost always formed at proximal end of distal bulb. External chevron-shaped or roundish striated areas on stem unpigmented. Middorsal paired spots between occiput and dorsal-fin origin 7 or 8, sometimes 9 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackmark Dragonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blackmark Dragonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Blackmark Dragonfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 0 - 1000 m . Deep-water; 13°N - 8°N north of Senegal, but not at or east of Cape Verde, also at 6°N 35°W.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blackmark Dragonfish |
| 🌍CES | svítivka černoskvrnná |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-dragão-de-dentes-afiados |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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