Lanternfish
Fast Facts
The Lanternfish gets its name for being able to make light. The light is made from photophores, which are tiny light-producing organs. A chemical reaction called bioluminescence makes the light happen. It's the same reaction that causes fireflies to make light or that causes glow sticks to glow. The light is a way for the lanternfish to attract food.
Lanternfish are believe to be the most common deep sea fish. They are found in all of the world's oceans. They have a slim body and large eyes. Many deep sea creatures have big eyes to help them collect as much light as possible in the dark water. The lanternfish's body is covered with photophores. It spends the day deep in the ocean than migrates closer to the surface at night. They follow the migratory patterns of plankton, one of their main food sources. Staying deep in the ocean during the day helps the lanternfish avoid predators.
Fast Facts
- eats plankton and small fish
- size: 6 to 12 inches
- depth range: 1,200 to 3,000 feet below the surface
- Did you know? Lanternfish are an important food source for squids, whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins
The Lanternfish gets its name for being able to make light. The light is made from photophores, which are tiny light-producing organs. A chemical reaction called bioluminescence makes the light happen. It's the same reaction that causes fireflies to make light or that causes glow sticks to glow. The light is a way for the lanternfish to attract food.
Lanternfish are believe to be the most common deep sea fish. They are found in all of the world's oceans. They have a slim body and large eyes. Many deep sea creatures have big eyes to help them collect as much light as possible in the dark water. The lanternfish's body is covered with photophores. It spends the day deep in the ocean than migrates closer to the surface at night. They follow the migratory patterns of plankton, one of their main food sources. Staying deep in the ocean during the day helps the lanternfish avoid predators.
"Lanternfish." Sea and Sky. Web. 29 Apr 2015. http://www.seasky.org/deep-sea/lanternfish.html