How does the male *Idiacanthus atlanticus* contrast sharply with the large, elongated female predator?

Answer

The male is extremely small, lacks teeth, and has a short lifespan

The difference between the sexes in deep-sea dragonfish, particularly *Idiacanthus atlanticus*, exemplifies extreme sexual dimorphism. The female is the formidable, recognizable predator, capable of reaching lengths up to 15 inches, featuring a slender, black body and a large jaw filled with sharp, needle-like teeth, focused on predation. In stark opposition, the male is minute, sometimes measuring only an inch long, and possesses none of the predatory features; specifically, it lacks teeth entirely. Furthermore, the male has a very short lifespan and its entire existence is centered on reproduction, sometimes involving parasitically attaching to the female for survival before dissolving after mating.

How does the male *Idiacanthus atlanticus* contrast sharply with the large, elongated female predator?

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