Latin name

Benthosema glaciale

Other name

Benthosema glaciale

Identification

The largest size of the glacier lantern fish is 22-25% of the body length without the tail. The eyes are very large, 36-40% of the length of the head. The posterior end of the upper jaw is only slightly behind the vertical of the posterior eye margin.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal soft rays: 17 - 19. Pectoral fin long, about 18% l, dorsal fin base short, about 15% l.

Fish colouring

Males Glacier lantern fish with single supracaudal gland with black border; females with two infracaudal luminous spots; specimens with both are found. Luminous organs in anal region, 5-6 anterior and 5-7 posterior, total 11-13.

Distribution

This species is found in both the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It is found in the eastern Atlantic from Guinea north to the Kara Sea, and in the western Atlantic from the northern reaches of the Gulf Stream north to Baffin Bay and Greenland. It is commonly found in Norwegian fjords.

Habitat

Mesopelagic fish that can be found in surface waters as deep as 1,400 m (4,600 ft), but is most common at depths of about 300-400 m (980-1310 ft).

Size

Glacier lantern fishes can grow up to 10.3 centimeters (4.1 inches) long. Their maximum lifespan is about eight years, although the normal lifespan is shorter. In Norway, oceanic populations grow more slowly but reach larger sizes than fjord populations. Mediterranean populations have smaller body sizes and shorter life spans.

Behavior

A gregarious form that penetrates northward with warm Atlantic waters. This species undertakes a long vertical migration, moving to shallow water to feed at night. However, the depth distribution at night may be bimodal, indicating that not all individuals migrate.

Food and feeding habits

Glacier lantern fishes feed on small crustaceans, including paddlefish, krill, and amphipods, as well as other small invertebrates.

Reproduction

These fish reach sexual maturity at the age of 2-3 years. Spawning occurs mainly in summer. Spawning peaks in late spring in the Mediterranean, with eggs migrating from east to west. The female lays 160-2000 eggs depending on her size. Mediterranean populations may spawn throughout the year.

Fishing

This species is of potential commercial interest to fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.