Alcock's boafish

<em>Stomias nebulosus</em>, the Alcock's Boafish, is a deep-sea saltwater fish belonging to the family Stomiidae, the barbeled dragonfishes. Reaching approximately 18 cm in length, this species inhabits depths of roughly 640 to 730 meters, within the lower mesopelagic zone. Stomiids are iconic deep-sea predators, typically characterized by large fang-like teeth, bioluminescent photophores arranged in species-specific patterns along the body, and elongate chin barbels used to lure prey. The nebulous or cloudy patterning implied by the specific epithet <em>nebulosus</em> may refer to the coloration or photophore arrangement. Like other family members, <em>S. nebulosus</em> is presumed to be an ambush predator consuming fishes and crustaceans. Details of habitat and range for this species remain limited in the ichthyological literature. Its conservation status has not been formally assessed by the IUCN. The Stomiidae are among the most diverse and ecologically important families in the deep-sea ichthyofauna, and <em>Stomias</em> is one of the most species-rich genera within the group.