Eyelight Fish

Photoblepharon palpebratum

Eyelight Fish

Beneath each eye this fish carries a bright organ glowing with living bacteria, which it hides by drawing a dark lid across like a blinking eyelid. It shelters in reef caves by day and feeds in groups on dark nights, using its lights to find prey and confuse hunters.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Trachichthyiformes › Anomalopidae › Photoblepharon

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 276188.

FAQ

How deep does the Eyelight Fish live?
The Eyelight Fish (Photoblepharon palpebratum) is typically found at 0–50 m.
Is the Eyelight Fish dangerous to divers?
The Eyelight Fish is harmless to divers.
How big does the Eyelight Fish get?
The Eyelight Fish grows to about 12 cm.