Myctophum

Myctophum is a genus of lanternfish belonging to the family Myctophidae. These small, mesopelagic fish are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. They are characterized by the presence of photophores, light-emitting organs, arranged in distinct patterns along their bodies. This genus is one of the most widespread and abundant groups of fish in the ocean's midwater zone.

Lanternfish of the genus Myctophum play a significant role in the oceanic food web. They are primarily plankton feeders, consuming small crustaceans and other zooplankton. In turn, they serve as a crucial food source for a variety of larger marine animals, including squid, tuna, and other predatory fish, as well as marine mammals and seabirds. Their vertical migration patterns, rising to shallower waters at night to feed and descending to deeper, darker waters during the day to avoid predators, are characteristic of many mesopelagic organisms. The species within Myctophum vary in size, but most remain relatively small, typically measuring a few centimeters in length. Their bioluminescence is thought to be used for communication, camouflage (counter-illumination), and attracting prey.