Lanternfish (or myctophids, from the Greek μυκτήρ myktḗr, "nose" and ophis, "serpent") are small mesopelagic fish of the large family Myctophidae. One of two families in the order …

lantern fish, any of the numerous species of small, abundant, deep-sea fish of the family Myctophidae. Some lantern fish live in the depths to 300 metres (about 1,000 feet) by day, but …

Learn about the lanternfish—which represents more than 60% of all the fish in the deep ocean—and discover how it caused a mystery that perplexed scientists for decades.

Oct 4, 2019 · Lanternfish have slender bodies about four inches long, a distinctly rounded head, and eyes that are large in proportion to the size of their bodies. Depending on where a …

Jul 16, 2025 · The term "lanternfish" doesn't refer to a single species, but rather to a diverse group of deep-sea fish within the taxonomic order Lophiiformes (anglerfish). They are ambush …

Lanternfishes have many light-producing organs covering their bodies. These organs are arranged in patterns that vary according to species. In addition to light-producing organs, …

The lanternfish, also known as Symbolophorus barnardi, is a deep-water fish that gets its name from its ability to produce light. The light is given off by tiny organs known as photophores.

Nov 15, 2025 · Among them, the lanternfish (family Myctophidae) stands out as a particularly successful and widespread group. These small, shimmering fish are a critical link in the …

Jul 22, 2025 · Researchers are investigating whether tiny lanternfish play an outsized role in controlling fish life cycles and carbon storage in the ocean.

What is a Lanternfish? Lanternfish, scientifically known as members of the family Myctophidae, are small, deep-sea fish that thrive in oceans the world over.