myctophídeos

Myctophidae is a family of marine ray-finned fish commonly known as lanternfish. These small, mesopelagic fish are found in oceans worldwide, inhabiting depths between 200 and 1000 meters. They are characterized by the presence of photophores, light-producing organs arranged in species-specific patterns along their bodies. These photophores are believed to be used for a variety of functions, including counter-illumination, species recognition, and attracting prey.

Lanternfish are a crucial part of the ocean's food web, serving as prey for larger predators such as tuna, squid, and whales. They themselves feed on plankton and small invertebrates. Many species of myctophids undertake daily vertical migrations, ascending to shallower waters at night to feed and returning to deeper waters during the day to avoid predators. This vertical migration makes them one of the most abundant and widely distributed vertebrate groups on Earth, contributing significantly to the biomass of the mesopelagic zone. Their small size and deep-water habitat make them difficult to study, but their ecological importance is undeniable.