Lightfishes [Phosichthyidae]

Description

Phosichthyidae, known as lightfishes, derive their name from the prominent photophores located along their undersides. These fishes use their bioluminescence primarily for counter-illumination, a camouflage technique that helps them blend in with the faint light from above and avoid detection by predators. Lightfishes have slender bodies and are found in both tropical and temperate oceans, typically in the mesopelagic zone (200-1,000 meters deep). They feed on small fish and plankton.

Genera

Taxonomy