Scaleless Black Dragonfish [Bathophilus]

Description

Bathophilus is a genus within the Bathophilidae family, known as the scaleless black dragonfishes. These deep-sea fishes are characterized by their elongated bodies, lack of scales, and bioluminescent organs, which they use to attract prey in the dark waters of the mesopelagic zone, typically found at depths between 200 to 1000 meters. Representatives of this genus are among the most common and widely distributed of the deep-sea dragonfishes, inhabiting oceans around the world. They have large, fang-like teeth and a long chin barbel that is tipped with a bioluminescent photophore.

Species

Taxonomy