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Pawnee dragonfish

Bathophilus pawneei

Pawnee dragonfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Pawnee dragonfish (Bathophilus pawneei) is a small, deep‑sea dragonfish known for its bioluminescent lure and elongated body. It inhabits mesopelagic waters worldwide and is rarely encountered by anglers because it lives at depths of 500–1500 m. Its modest size (up to 12.2 cm) and fragile flesh make it unsuitable for culinary use, but it is of interest to deep‑sea researchers and specialized anglers.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Stomiidae

Max Size

12.2 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

100-3000m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year, with slightly higher encounter rates during summer months in the Northern Hemisphere

Best Time

Night, when the fish's photophore activity attracts prey

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Pawnee dragonfish

  • Use a heavy‑action deep‑sea rod with a high‑test line (100‑200 lb) for vertical jigging at depth
  • Select glow‑in‑the‑dark or bioluminescent jigs/lures to mimic the fish's natural prey
  • Deploy a fast‑retrieval vertical trolling rig to cover depth layers efficiently
  • Target steep underwater canyons or seamounts where mesopelagic fauna tend to aggregate

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Pawnee dragonfish

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy‑action deep‑sea rod, 7‑9 ft
Line100‑200 lb test line
Lure TypeGlow‑in‑the‑dark jig or bioluminescent lure
TechniqueDeep‑water vertical jigging / fast‑retrieval trolling

Best bait: Small squid strips or lanternfish chunks (if available)