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Animal profile

Black Dragonfish

Idiacanthus atlanticus

ActinopterygiiMesopelagic and bathypelagic waters of the southern oceans, to about 2,000 metres

Field profile

The black dragonfish is a long eel-shaped barbeled dragonfish with rows of photophores along the body. Females reach around 40 centimetres and carry a chin barbel; males are only a few centimetres, lack teeth and a functional gut, and do not feed as adults.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-08-12

Black Dragonfish

Male black dragonfish never eat as adults

Female black dragonfish grow to about forty centimetres and hunt with a lit chin barbel. Males reach only a few centimetres, develop no teeth and no functioning gut, and live on stored reserves long enough to breed.

Read with evidence →

Black Dragonfish | Daily Animal Facts