Deep Sea Dragonfish (Eustomias hypopsilus), Gulf of Mexico

This deep sea dragonfish (Eustomias hypopsilus) has a long "rod" (known as a barbel) and bioluminescent "lures"at the end of the structure (bulbs). The fish creates the bioluminescence in this case (intrinsic bioluminescence, not bacterial bioluminescence). The bioluminescent bulbs help to bring potential prey items to within striking distance. This image depicts a close-up of the bulbs to the upper right of the composite. The species ranges through the western Central Atlantic, the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and northeastern coast of South America. This specimen was trawled from between 500—800m depth (1,640—2,624 feet). This is part of the DEEPEND-RESTORE Project (www.deependconsortium.org). All the work has been done out on the RV Point Sur with an amazing captain and crew. A big thanks to CSA and Gray Lawson for management of the MOCNESS system. My participation is by way of the Center for Conservation & Research, San Antonio Zoo.