• Flashlight fish

Latin name

Photoblepharon steinitzi

Other name

Photoblepharon steinitzi

Identification

The flashlight fish has a short, dense body. A blunt snout and large eyes are characteristic of this family. A line of reflective scales runs the length of the body from the gill cover to the caudal fins. Their most distinctive feature is the bioluminescent organs under their eyes, which are white but emit a blue-green light in the dark. They have black eyelids that can be raised to cover the light organs.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 2 - 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 18; Anal spines: 1 - 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14.

Fish colouring

Flashlight fish range in coloration from dark brown to grayish black. There is a white spot in front of the pectoral fins, and there may be a slightly discolored spot on the top of the tarsus, although this is not always the case. This distinguishes it from P. palpebrarum, which has a larger and whiter spot. 

Distribution

The fish's range is extensive throughout the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. In the latitudinal range from 21°S to 45°N, it has been collected from various islands, including Reunion and the Comoros, east to the Maldives, and north to Somalia, Oman, Israel, and Egypt. 

Habitat

A tropical marine species. The typical water temperature in its habitat is 26°C (79°F), and the salinity is usually around 35 b.p.i. Flashlight fish typically live in caves within and around coral reefs at depths up to 500 m (1,600 ft).

Size

The maximum recorded length is 11.0 cm (4.3 inches).

Behavior

The flashlight fish has been observed to share its burrows with Myrip-Pistinae and Holocentrinae, and it shows territorial aggression towards other members of its species. Solitary or pair-bonded fish will defend their territory by swimming aggressively toward an invading fish and increasing the frequency of their flashing light organs. The light organs also help it avoid predators, as this fish can use a special strategy.

Food and feeding habits

A nocturnal predator, it usually spends the day hiding in caves and crevices. It feeds on zooplankton.

Reproduction

Reproduction in this species is egg-laying. 

Fishing

The flashlight fish has little interaction with humans due to its nocturnal lifestyle and lack of commercial value. Local fishermen may use them as bait. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless.



Classification
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Squad Trachichthyiformes
Family Anomalopidae
Genus Photoblepharon
Species P. steinitzi
Features
Conservation status Least Concern
Habitat Pelagic
Life span, years No information
Maximum body weight, kg No information
Maximum length, cm 11
Sailing speed, m/s No information
Threat to people Edible
Way of eating Planktonophage

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Flashlight fish

Tags: flashlight fish