Latin name

Diogenichthys atlanticus

Other name

Diogenichthye atlanticus

Diogenichthys atlanticum

Diogenichthys scofieldi

Myctophum laternatum atlanticum

Identification

The longfin lanternfish has a laterally compressed body, a large head, and a very large mouth resembling that of a common anchovy. It possesses a subocular projection. Small photophores are arranged in groups and rows on the trunk and head. The body is covered with thin, easily shed scales. The adipose fin is supported by a distinct cartilaginous plate.

Features of Fish Fins

This species possesses 11 to 12 dorsal fin rays, 16 to 17 anal fin rays, and 14 pectoral fin rays. The origin of the anal fin is located beneath the base of the dorsal fin or slightly posterior to it.

Fish Coloration

Longfin lanternfish are typically dark brown to black; freshly caught specimens exhibit iridescent blue, green, or silvery hues. They possess specialized light-emitting organs (photophores) that produce blue, green, or yellowish light via chemical reactions within photocyte cells.

Distribution

This is a widely distributed species, found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Habitat

A marine bathypelagic, oceanodromous species. It inhabits depths ranging from 18 to 1250 meters below the ocean surface. During the day, it is typically found at depths of 400 to 930 meters, migrating to shallower depths of 18 to 1050 meters at night.

Size

This species reaches a maximum length of 2.9 cm.

Behavior

They undergo diel vertical migrations. Larvae and juveniles do not migrate, at least in the waters near the Canary Islands.

Food and Feeding Habits

Typical zooplanktivores; their diet consists of planktonic crustaceans, and more rarely, fish larvae and fry.

Reproduction

Spawning occurs year-round, peaking in winter and early spring. Fecundity is relatively low, ranging from 100 to 2000 eggs measuring 0.7–0.9 mm in diameter. The buoyant eggs and small larvae remain near the sea surface as part of the neustonic plankton. As they grow, the juveniles descend into progressively deeper water layers, gradually adopting the adult lifestyle. The lifespan of this species is short, typically less than one year.

Fishing

There is no large-scale, international, specialized fishery for the longfin lanternfish. Virtually all caught specimens are used as feed for fur-bearing animals.

Relationship with Humans

Harmless. This is a species with a stable population, posing no known major threats, and it occurs in numerous marine protected areas. Consequently, it is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.