Species guide
How to catch Half-naked hatchetfish
Argyropelecus hemigymnus
saltwaterSternoptychidae
The half-naked hatchetfish is a small, deep-bodied oceanic fish known for its marked vertical migrations. It inhabits mesopelagic depths and is found singly or in small groups. This species is not targeted as a game fish due to its small size and deepwater habitat.
Where they live
Found in the Atlantic and Mediterranean at depths mainly between 250 and 650 meters, with vertical migrations from 100 to 700 meters. Prefers pelagic open ocean waters, often at mesopelagic depths.
Typical size
Up to about 5 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
- ostracods
- polychaetes
- fish eggs
- chaetognaths
- plankton
Best baits
- small crustacean imitations
- plankton-based bait
Best lures
- small deepwater jigs
- micro lures
- tiny soft plastics
How to fish for them
- deepwater jigging
- vertical drifting with light tackle
- slow trolling at depth
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