What equipment do I need to catch Shorthorn fangtooth?

Recommended rod: Heavy‑action deep‑sea jigging rod (2.7–3.0 m). Line weight: 200–300 lb test braided line with a 30‑lb leader. Technique: Vertical jigging or deep‑water trolling. Best bait: Small squid strips or lanternfish bait.

Where are the best places to catch Shorthorn fangtooth?

Top fishing locations for Shorthorn fangtooth: Christmas Island Deep Sea, Australia; Darwin Seamount, Galápagos, Ecuador; Maui Deep‑water Edge, United States; Lanzarote Submarine Canyon, Spain; False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa.

What equipment do I need to catch Shorthorn fangtooth?

Recommended rod: Heavy‑action deep‑sea jigging rod (2.7–3.0 m). Line weight: 200–300 lb test braided line with a 30‑lb leader. Technique: Vertical jigging or deep‑water trolling. Best bait: Small squid strips or lanternfish bait.

Where are the best places to catch Shorthorn fangtooth?

Top fishing locations for Shorthorn fangtooth: Christmas Island Deep Sea, Australia; Darwin Seamount, Galápagos, Ecuador; Maui Deep‑water Edge, United States; Lanzarote Submarine Canyon, Spain; False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa.

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Fish Details

Shorthorn fangtooth

Q: When is the best time to catch Shorthorn fangtooth?

The best season for Shorthorn fangtooth is All year (temperate waters) but summer months may see increased surface activity. Best time of day: Night (when the species migrates upward).

Anoplogaster brachycera

The Shorthorn fangtooth (Anoplogaster brachycera) is a tiny deep‑sea predatory fish, reaching about 6 cm. It inhabits mesopelagic zones worldwide and is rarely targeted, but can be snagged on deep‑water jigging rigs. It is not considered edible due to its small size and unpalatable flesh.

Fight

Taste

Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Anoplogastridae

Max Size

6 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-1500m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year (temperate waters) but summer months may see increased surface activity

Best Time

Night (when the species migrates upward)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Shorthorn fangtooth

Use a sturdy deep‑water rod with a fast action for jigging
Deploy heavy‑weight jigging lures (5–10 g) equipped with small bioluminescent or glow‑in‑the‑dark skirts
Troll or vertical jig at depths of 200–800 m using a down‑rigger or electric reel
Fish during moonless nights and use bright surface lights to attract prey and trigger strikes

Top Fishing Locations for Shorthorn fangtooth

Christmas Island Deep Sea

Australia

expert75% Very Common

Remote island in the Indian Ocean with steep drop-offs where Shorthorn fangtooth congregate at night; popular with charter vessels using deep‑water jigging.

Best: March-May

Darwin Seamount, Galápagos

Ecuador

expert20% Uncommon

Isolated seamount north of the Galápagos archipelago; cold, nutrient‑rich upwellings attract deep‑sea predators including Shorthorn fangtooth.

Best: June-August

Maui Deep‑water Edge

United States

intermediate35% Occasional

Off the southern coast of Maui, the continental shelf drops sharply, providing ideal habitat for fangtooth during nocturnal vertical migrations.

Best: August-October

Lanzarote Submarine Canyon

Spain

intermediate15% Uncommon

The volcanic canyon off Lanzarote creates deep basins where night‑time jigging nets frequent catches of Shorthorn fangtooth.

Best: September-November

False Bay, Cape Town

South Africa

intermediate45% Occasional

Steep drop‑off near the Cape Peninsula draws pelagic species; local operators run night‑time deep‑water trips targeting fangtooth.

Best: November-February

Bay of Plenty Seafloor

New Zealand

expert30% Occasional

Deep offshore waters of the Bay of Plenty host abundant lanternfish, the main prey of Shorthorn fangtooth, making it a productive spot for dedicated anglers.

Best: January-March

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Shorthorn fangtooth

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy‑action deep‑sea jigging rod (2.7–3.0 m)

Line200–300 lb test braided line with a 30‑lb leader

Lure TypeGlow‑in‑the‑dark or bioluminescent jigs, small squid‑sized soft plastics

TechniqueVertical jigging or deep‑water trolling

Best bait: Small squid strips or lanternfish bait