Eustomias melanostigmoides Gibbs, Clarke & Gomon, 1983

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Melanostomiinae
Max. size:  11.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 16.5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 900 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: off Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-24; Anal soft rays: 39-39; Vertebrae: 68-68. 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 (Ref. 11333).
Biology:  Mesopelagic (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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