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What is a Dragonfish?

Soo Owens
Soo Owens

Dragonfish may refer to any of a number of different species of fish which have little in common aside from their name. These fish are largely unrelated to one another. Fish that are often called dragonfish include the deep sea dragonfish, the Asian arowana, the violet goby, and members of the Pterois genus, including the lionfish.

Those fish that are often called dragonfish are not native to the same geographic areas. It is not uncommon for the various species not to resemble each other in appearance. One commonality of all dragonfish species is their carnivorous eating habits.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

The deep sea dragonfish, or black dragonfish, Grammatostomias flagellibarba, resides deep under the ocean, usually at a depth of 3,200 to 9,800 feet (1,000 to 3,000 meters) below the surface. It is a member of the Stomiidae family, whose members are often called barbeled dragonfish due to the photophore, a light-emitting organ attached beneath their jaw. The black dragonfish are slender and eel-like with large, over-sized teeth.

At the depth that this fish resides, there is little to no light penetration, which has caused them to develop bioluminescent properties. The black dragonfish possesses small light-emitting organs on the exterior of its body that draw prey to it. These organs also allow the fish to communicate with other members of its species. The fish is unique in its ability to produce red light in addition to a green-blue light. The eyes of most bioluminescent creatures that live at these depths have adapted to only perceive blue light, giving the black dragonfish a substantial advantage in communicating without alerting predators.

The Asian arowana is an endangered species of fish. It is a freshwater fish that mainly inhabits rivers, where it feeds on other fish. The body of this fish is medium to long, often reaching lengths of 35 inches (90 cm) and has very large scales that measure almost 1 inch long (about 2 cm). The Asian arowana is referred to as a dragonfish due to its resemblance to a Chinese dragon. It is often sought after as an aquarium fish, and in some cultures, the Asian arowana is believed to bring good luck.

Like black dragonfish, the violet goby is slender and eel-like in shape and can grow up to 2 feet (61 cm) in the wilderness. They have menacing-looking teeth and have developed a reputation for aggressive and territorial behavior. Goby act as scavengers, using their teeth to scrape algae off of debris.

Members of the genus Pterois, primarily the lionfish, are also called dragonfish. Pterois fish are venomous and have sharp spines that protrude from their bodies, which are used to fend off predators and play no role in hunting or capturing prey. Their coloring is often a striped red, white, and brown. They can be found in many tropic zones outside of their native Indo-Pacific region where their numbers are dangerously high.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dragonfish and where can it be found?

A dragonfish is a deep-sea fish known for its bioluminescent capabilities and fearsome appearance. It inhabits the dark zones of the ocean, typically at depths of 200 to 2,000 meters. Dragonfish are found in most warm ocean waters around the world, with a higher concentration in the Atlantic Ocean.

How does the dragonfish use bioluminescence?

The dragonfish uses bioluminescence for both predation and communication. It has light-producing organs called photophores along its body, which can lure prey by mimicking the appearance of small organisms. Additionally, bioluminescence may play a role in mating rituals and establishing territory within the species.

What does the dragonfish eat?

Dragonfish are carnivorous predators that feed on a variety of marine organisms. Their diet includes small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They use their sharp teeth and large mouths to capture and swallow prey whole, often utilizing their bioluminescence to attract or disorient their targets.

What are the unique physical features of the dragonfish?

Dragonfish possess several unique features adapted to deep-sea life. They have elongated bodies, large heads, and formidable jaws with fang-like teeth. Their scales are often dark, aiding in camouflage in the deep sea. Some species have a long barbel attached to the chin, tipped with a light-producing organ to attract prey.

How do dragonfish reproduce?

Dragonfish reproduction involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, a process known as broadcast spawning. Fertilized eggs then float upwards and develop near the surface. Little is known about their mating behaviors due to the difficulty of observing these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.

Are dragonfish endangered?

There is limited information on the conservation status of many deep-sea species, including dragonfish. However, deep-sea environments are generally less impacted by human activities compared to shallower waters. Still, factors like deep-sea fishing and climate change could potentially affect their populations, highlighting the need for further research and potential conservation measures.

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    • Veterinarian with a puppy
      Veterinarian with a puppy