The Threadfin Dragonfish, Echiostoma barbatum, was collected in the Gulf of Mexico between 175m and 225m depth, at night, 2019. The species has a bioluminescent lure that dangles at the end of a short rod (a barbel) attached to its chin. The massive teeth of this species are used to grip prey items drawn to the lure. It has photophores on its face that produce red light and allow it to see red prey items, like prawns. Red is one of the first colors that drops out of the light spectrum at depths. In deep waters, red turns to black and is invisible to all, except those that can both produce and see red light. The species has been captured as deep as 4200 meters. Image courtesy of the Journey into Midnight project, NOAA/OER. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Fenolio, Dante |
Taille de l’image : | 6000 px × 4000 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |