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Spotted Lanternfish

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description Spotted Lanternfish Overview

Myctophum punctatum, commonly known as the spotted lanternfish, is a species of mesopelagic marine fish belonging to the family Myctophidae. It inhabits the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, undertaking vast daily vertical migrations to feed near the surface at night. Like other lanternfishes, it possesses bioluminescent photophores on its body and head. This species is ecologically significant due to its vast abundance and role in the oceanic food web.

help Spotted Lanternfish FAQ

What is the spotted lanternfish?

Myctophum punctatum is the spotted lanternfish, a mesopelagic fish in the family Myctophidae. It occurs in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

Does the spotted lanternfish migrate vertically each day?

It performs a daily vertical migration, feeding nearer the surface at night and moving deeper during daylight. This behavior is typical of many lanternfishes and links surface food supplies with the deeper ocean.

How does the spotted lanternfish produce light?

Lanternfish carry photophores, small light-producing organs that help with camouflage and signaling in darkness. In Myctophum punctatum, those light organs are part of the reason the group is called lanternfish.

Is the spotted lanternfish related to the spotted lanternfly?

It is not the terrestrial spotted lanternfly that damages trees, but a marine fish named Myctophum punctatum. The fish lives in the mesopelagic zone, so it is mainly studied in deep-ocean biology.

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