Aristostomias scintillans (Gilbert, 1915)
Shiny loosejaw

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Malacosteinae
Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 7 years
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 1219 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: southern British Columbia, Canada to central Baja California, Mexico (Ref. 2850), including the Bering Sea (Ref. 35921).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-25; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 25-29; Vertebrae: 54-58. Caudal fin small; pelvic fins free of membranes (Ref. 6885). Body and head black; luminous organs attached to head reputed to be colored; barbel bulb pink; subocular red; postocular green (Ref. 6885).
Biology:  Feed on crustaceans (Ref. 4525). Probably spawn in spring (Ref. 35921). Apparently, undergo diurnal migration (Ref. 35921). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 35921).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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