Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Tactostoma macropus, the Longfin Dragonfish, is a species of barbeled dragonfish found in the Pacific Ocean down to depths of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). This species grows to a length of 34.3 centimetres (13.5 in) TL. This species is the only known species in its genus. These fishes are generally elongate with rows of photophores on their bellies.  Many possess a chin barbel at the tip of which is a bioluminescent lure used to attract unwitting prey.  All have large mouths full of large teeth (some exceedingly large!).Feeding diversity is fairly high within this group with some species specializing on fish and others on shrimp.  Generally these animals feed on whatever they can fit in their mouths.  Prey items can be very large in relation to body size.  The viperfish, for instance, has a hinging jaw which is used to increase the gape and allow passage of large fishes. A viperfish, Chauliodus macouni, peers out of the dark.  Noted the enormous teeth especially the two large lower teeth that extend up into grooves on the forehead when the mouth is closed!. 

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish

Longfin Dragonfish