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Boulenger's snaggletooth

Astronesthes boulengeri

Boulenger's snaggletooth© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Boulenger's snaggletooth (Astronesthes boulengeri) is a small deep‑sea lanternfish prized by scientific collectors rather than sport anglers. It grows to about 21 cm and is attracted to light and tiny jigging motions in the water column.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Stomiidae

Max Size

21 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

12-4000m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Year‑round, with higher catches during warm summer months (June‑August) in temperate waters

Best Time

Nighttime, when bioluminescent prey attract them

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Boulenger's snaggletooth

  • Use a strong light source (LED or sub‑mersible lamp) to draw the fish into the strike zone
  • Keep the jig moving slowly; a gentle hop‑and‑drop mimics prey and triggers bites
  • Fish at depths of 200‑500 m using a downrigger or weighted line to reach their habitat
  • Select ultralight tackle to feel the subtle takes of this delicate species

Top Fishing Locations for Boulenger's snaggletooth

Christmas Island Deepwater Trench

Australia (Territory)
expert75% Very Common

A deep-sea trench surrounding Christmas Island known for regular sightings of Boulenger's snaggletooth during night lanternfish aggregations.

Best: April-September

Azores Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Portugal
expert45% Occasional

Steep drop-offs along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near the Azores host abundant mesopelagic fauna, making it a prime spot for snaggletooth in winter months.

Best: December-February

Hawaii Deep Sea Canyon

United States
expert30% Occasional

The deep canyons off the Kona Coast provide a stable cold-water environment where Boulenger's snaggletooth are attracted to bioluminescent prey.

Best: June-August

Canary Islands Submarine Plateau

Spain
expert40% Occasional

A submerged plateau off Lanzarote with strong upwelling supports large schools of lanternfish, drawing in snaggletooth during spring.

Best: March-May

Maldives Western Atoll Drop-off

Maldives
expert20% Uncommon

Remote drop-offs in the western atolls host nightly deep-sea lanternfish migrations, offering occasional snaggletooth encounters for seasoned anglers.

Best: October-November

Galápagos Archipelago Deep Water Edge

Ecuador
expert25% Uncommon

The steep walls surrounding the Galápagos islands create a nutrient-rich environment where snaggletooth are sporadically caught during the austral summer.

Best: December-February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Boulenger's snaggletooth

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line8‑12 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall bioluminescent or glow‑in‑the‑dark jigs, 1‑2 inches
TechniqueNighttime deep‑water jigging with lights, slowly retrieve lures at 1‑2 f p m

Best bait: Live or frozen shrimp, small squid strips