description Glacier Lanternfish Overview
Benthosema glaciale, the glacier lanternfish, is one of the most abundant mesopelagic fish in the North Atlantic and a major contributor to the deep scattering layer. It possesses photophores and undertakes diel vertical migration, ascending toward the surface at night to feed. The species is prey for a range of larger fishes, marine mammals, and seabirds.
insights Ranking position
Glacier Lanternfish ranks #52 of 158 in the Deep Sea Fish ranking, behind Patagonian Toothfish, ahead of Velvet Belly Lanternshark.
help Glacier Lanternfish FAQ
What is the scientific name of the glacier lanternfish?
The scientific name for the glacier lanternfish is Benthosema glaciale. It belongs to the family Myctophidae, which contains hundreds of species of lanternfish.
How does the glacier lanternfish produce light?
The glacier lanternfish possesses specialized light-emitting organs called photophores located on its head and underside. These photophores produce bioluminescence through a chemical reaction, which helps the fish camouflage itself from predators below.
Where does the glacier lanternfish live?
Benthosema glaciale is one of the most abundant mesopelagic fish in the North Atlantic Ocean. It lives in the open water column at depths ranging from roughly 300 to 1,000 meters during the day.
What is the diel vertical migration of the glacier lanternfish?
The glacier lanternfish undertakes a diel vertical migration, which means it descends to deep waters during the day and ascends toward the surface at night to feed. This mass movement is one of the largest animal migrations on Earth and contributes to the deep scattering layer.
explore Explore More
Similar to Glacier Lanternfish
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
