Stoplight Loosejaw [Malacosteus niger]
Description
The Stoplight Loosejaw is a deep-sea dragonfish, notable for its unusual jaw structure, and its use of red bioluminescence. It is primarily found in the mesopelagic to bathypelagic zone of the ocean, ranging in depth from 500 to 2,000 meters. It preys mainly on other small deep-sea creatures. The species has a unique ability to produce both red and green bioluminescence, which is uncommon in deep-sea creatures.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Dragonfishes
Stomiiformes
|
| Family |
Barbeled Dragonfishes
Stomiidae
|
| Genus |
Malacosteus
Malacosteus
|