Eustomias Melanostigmoides
📖 Overview
Eustomias Melanostigmoides (Eustomias melanostigmoides) 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 11.5 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 900 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: 39; Vertebrae: 68. Two terminal bulbs separated by an interspace, 1.2-2.4 times the length of distal bulb. Barbel length mostly 31-71% SL in specimens less than 8 cm; 67-91% SL in larger ones. Terminal filaments short, 4-6 without prominent bulblets, arising together from distal bulb or from a short distal stem; 1 filament thicker and longer than others. Pigment in filament axes variably present or absent. Distal bulb spheroidal to ovoid, not much longer than wide, 1.5-4.3 times proximal-bulb length. Axis of stem usually lightly pigmented, between bulbs unpigmented or lightly pigmented; dark spot present or not 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 8, sometimes 9 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Eustomias Melanostigmoides is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 0 - 900 m . Deep-water Central Pacific: off Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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