Stomiidae

Boulenger's snaggletooth

Astronesthes boulengeri

Red chin barbel used as a lure

• Regional distribution
• Marine fish
• Elongated
• Medium

Snaggletooths or stareaters are any of a number of small, deep-sea stomiid fish in the genus Astronesthes. They possess a bioluminescent red chin barbel that the fish use as a lure to attract small prey into striking distance. The fish have delicate skin, and mouths filled with sharp, needlelike, curved teeth.