Eustomias mesostenus Gibbs, Clarke & Gomon, 1983

Family:  Stomiidae (Barbeled dragonfishes), subfamily: Melanostomiinae
Max. size:  9.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 1643 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-24; Anal soft rays: 34-34; Vertebrae: 67-67. A single, very long terminal bulb, its length more than twice its greatest width, constricted at its midlength, with a short, very slender terminal projection included in a broad distal extension of the outer covering membrane of the bulb. Bulb and projection combined 3.2% SL. Barbel short, 42.5% SL. Axis of stem unpigmented. External chevron-shaped or roundish striated areas unpigmented, becoming almost contiguous distally. No inclusions in stem. Middorsal paired spots between occiput and dorsal-fin origin 9 (Ref. 11333).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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