Smalleye Squaretail

A deep, mesopelagic oceanic species found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide — in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Found in the open ocean at depths of 200–2,000 feet. Rarely encountered by sport anglers — primarily of scientific interest. One of the few members of the Tetragonuridae family.

55°F–70°F at depth. A deep, open-ocean species found in the mesopelagic zone. Migrates vertically in the water column, coming shallower at night.

Best Lures: Not a sport target. Best Baits: Not a sport target — encountered only as deep-sea scientific bycatch or in stomach contents of large tuna and billfish.

Typically 6–10 inches. A small, dark, compressed fish with a distinctive square tail. Not a sport fishing target.