Anomalopidae

Anomalopidae (lanterneye fishes or flashlight fishes) are a family of beryciform fish distinguished by bioluminescent organs located underneath their eyes, for which they are named. These light organs contain luminous bacteria and can be "shut off" by the fish using either a dark lid or by being drawn into a pouch. They are used to communicate, attract prey, and evade predators.[2]

Anomalopidae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Beryciformes
Family: Anomalopidae
T. N. Gill, 1889
Genera[1]

Anomalops
Kryptophanaron
Parmops
Photoblepharon
Phthanophaneron
Protoblepharon

Flashlight fish are found in tropical ocean waters across the world.[3] They are typically about 14 cm (5.5 in) in size, although some species can reach twice this length. They are nocturnal, feeding at night on small crustaceans. Some species move to shallow waters near coral reefs at night, but otherwise, they are exclusively deep water fish.[4] This tends to make their collection difficult, and as such they are a poorly understood group.[5]

References
  1. Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2012). "Anomalopidae" in FishBase. October 2012 version.
  2. Morin, J.G.; et al. (1975). "Light for all reasons - versatility in behavioral repertoire of flashlight fish". Science. 190: 74–76. doi:10.1126/science.190.4209.74.
  3. Johnson, G. David; et al. (1988). "Mechanisms of light organ occlusion in flashlight fishes, family Anomalopidae (Teleostei:Beryciformes), and the evolution of the group". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 94: 65–96. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1988.tb00882.x.
  4. Paxton, John R. (1998). Paxton, J.R.; Eschmeyer, W.N. (eds.). Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. p. 162. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.
  5. McCosker, John E.; et al. (1987). "Notes on the Biology, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Flashlight Fishes (Beryciformes: Anomalopidae)". Japanese Journal of Ichthyology. 34: 157–164. doi:10.1007/BF02912410.
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