Snaggletooth

View data on Catalog of Fishes here.

Serial photophores in lateral row (OA) 35–37, of which 18–19 behind pelvic-fin insertion (VAL); 56–59 photophores in ventral row to tail (IC); ventral row curving slightly outward between pectoral fin bases. Barbel short, flattened basally, tapering distally, sometimes with a slender distal extension as long as the flat basal part. Dorsal-fin rays 14–16. Color of head and body black; pale spots, when present, not forming large patches.

Found across the Atlantic between about 20° and 35° N.

Meso- to bathypelagic. Smaller specimens taken near the surface at night.

Body not especieally elongate, its depth 4–8 times in SL. Enlarged teeth present in jaws as fangs; maxilla with a series of small, comb-like teeth pointing posteroventrally; gill argches bearing groups of short spines rather than rakers; postorbital light organ single. Dorsal-fin origin less than 60% SL, slignthly posterior to pelvic-fin insertion; dorsal adipose fin present.

Gibbs RH, Jr. 1984. Astronesthidae. In: Whitehead PJP, Bauchot M-L, Hureau J-C, Nielsen J, Tortonese E, editors. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Paris: UNESCO. p 325–335.

To 192 mm.

North Atlantic, Dana station 1368, 34°40'N, 33°16'W, depth 350 meters.

Holotype: ZMUC P201891.

Common in deep oceanic waters, usually living deeper than 500 m during the day. Smaller individuals migrate to near-surface or even surface waters at night. Feeds on midwater fishes and crustaceans.

Common in deep oceanic waters, usually living deeper than 500 m during the day. Smaller individuals migrate to near-surface or even surface waters at night. Feeds on midwater fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 2802).

from slope water just south of Hudson Canyon to 20° N

nektonic