Astronesthes richardsoni
| Astronesthes richardsoni | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Stomiiformes |
| Family: | Stomiidae |
| Genus: | Astronesthes |
| Species: | A. richardsoni
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| Binomial name | |
| Astronesthes richardsoni | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Astronesthes richardsoni, or Richardson's snaggletooth, is a species of small,
Astronesthes
.
Description
Richardson's snaggletooth is a slender, laterally-compressed fish with a short snout, a terminal, horizontal mouth and large fang-like teeth. The teeth on the
caudal peduncle, and a small ventral adipose fin just anterior to the anus. There are two rows of photophores (luminous spots) on each side of the underside of the fish, numerous other photophores on the head and body and a luminous patch on the edge of the preoperculum; the colour of this fish is black and the maximum standard length is 145 mm (5.7 in).[2][3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is found in the mesopelagic zone of the tropical western Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Although its depth range extends to about 1,000 m (3,300 ft), it is most abundant above about 300 m (1,000 ft).[2]
Ecology
As a predator, Richardson's snaggletooth feeds on other fish and on krill.[2]
References
- ^ a b Bailly, Nicolas (2015). "Astronesthes richardsoni (Poey, 1852)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-292-75705-9.
- ISBN 978-3-642-82858-4.