Genus Echiostoma


Summary:

A genus with a single species found in most of the world oceans.

Echiostoma has the following characteristics: snout slightly longer than eye diameter; jaws nearly as long as head, straight, lower jaw slightly shorter than upper; large, barbed, fang-like teeth in jaws, some rigid among smaller teeth; small teeth on vomer, palatines and basibranchials; chin barbel generally shorter than head, terminating in bulbs and various filaments, varying with age and between sexes; vertical rows of smaller photophores as well as serial photophores and 2 longitudinal bands of luminous tissue, one along back and one below lateral series;  postorbital light organ behind eye above dorsal margin of upper jaw, an elongated triangle, size varying with age and between sexes; dorsal and anal fins about equal in size; dorsal adipose fin absent; pectoral fins close behind head, 1st ray unattached to others, elongate; ventral fins based near ventral profile of body, narrow, short, nearer tail than snout.

Author: Martin F. Gomon & Dianne J. Bray

Cite this page as:
Martin F. Gomon & Dianne J. Bray, Echiostoma in Fishes of Australia, accessed 28 Mar 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/Home/genus/473

References


Kenaley, C.P., Harold, A.S. & Gomon, M.F. 2008. Family Stomiidae. pp. 240-254 in Gomon. M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp. [248]

Lowe, R.T. 1843. Notices of fishes newly observed or discovered in Madeira during the years 1840, 1841 and 1842. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 11: 81-95 [87].

Robertson, E.M. & Gomon, M.F. 1994. Families Stomiidae, Chauliodontidae, Astronesthidae, Melanostomiidae, Malacosteidae, Idiacanthidae. pp. 251-263 figs 225-235 in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs [258]