Slender fish with metallic sheen and translucent fins against a blue background.
Sloane's Viperfish
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2025 Beyond the Blue. Download larger version (jpg, 1 MB).
A Sloane’s viperfish (Chauliodus sloani) observed on the eighth dive of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition. This individual was spotted during the third transect at 701 meters (2,300 feet) depth. This species is known for its photophores on its ventral surface as well as an elongated dorsal fin ray used as a lure. A rare view of an intact gelatinous coat surrounding the body is also visible.