Emperor Seamount Lightfish

Maurolicus imperatorius

• Group: Other
• Typical depth: 0–400 m
• Max size: 6.8 cm
• For divers: safe
• IUCN status: LC

By day the emperor seamount lightfish packs into dense shoals in the upper midwater, then scatters toward the surface to feed once it is dark. Rows of light producing organs run along its underside, breaking up its silhouette against the faint glow from above.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Stomiiformes › Sternoptychidae › Maurolicus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 274970.