Home · Stomiidae · Longbarbel dragonfish
Longbarbel dragonfish (Leptostomias macropogon) — Stomiidae

Longbarbel dragonfish

Leptostomias macropogon
Family: Stomiidae

The Longbarbel dragonfish (Leptostomias macropogon) is a saltwater fish of the family Stomiidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–55.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Want the complete picture on the Longbarbel dragonfish?

Get the app

Description

The Longbarbel dragonfish is a deep-sea barbeled dragonfish (Stomiidae) from the dim midwater of the ocean. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, black, scaleless body with large, dagger-like fangs and a long chin barbel with a light-producing tip to lure prey. Rows of light organs along the belly camouflage it in the dark. As a predator it engulfs passing fish and crustaceans in the deep water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longbarbel dragonfish?

The Longbarbel dragonfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly black.

Where does the Longbarbel dragonfish live?

The Longbarbel dragonfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Longbarbel dragonfish get?

The Longbarbel dragonfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Longbarbel dragonfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Longbarbel dragonfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Longbarbel dragonfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longbarbel dragonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Longbarbel dragonfish sourced
Scientific name
Leptostomias macropogon
Family
Stomiidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
30 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
55.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0
Fin

Want the complete picture on the Longbarbel dragonfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longbarbel dragonfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Longbarbel dragonfish? Get the app