Myctophidae

Myctophidae, commonly known as lanternfishes, is a large family of small, bioluminescent fishes in the order Myctophiformes. They are a dominant component of the mesopelagic zone and one of the most abundant vertebrate groups in the world’s oceans.

Most lanternfishes range from about 3 to 30 cm in length and have slender, laterally compressed bodies with relatively large eyes suited to dim light. They possess photophores, light-emitting organs, arranged in species-specific patterns along the body and fins. The photophore patterns aid in camouflage, signaling, and schooling.

Lanternfishes occur worldwide, from tropical to polar waters, primarily between about 200 and 1000 meters depth. They perform daily vertical migrations, feeding near the surface at night and retreating to deeper waters by day. Their diet consists mainly of zooplankton and small crustaceans, and they themselves are important prey for larger fish, squid, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Reproduction is pelagic, with eggs and larvae that are planktonic. Growth rates and longevity vary among species. The family comprises over 240 described species in roughly 30 genera, including Myctophum, Lampadena, Benthosema, and Stenobrachius.

In ecological terms, lanternfishes contribute substantially to ocean biogeochemical cycles, notably through diel vertical migration which helps move carbon to depth. They are not a primary target of major fisheries, but they support fisheries indirectly through fishmeal and oil products, and their enormous biomass makes them a central component of marine ecosystems.