Lanternfishes are the masters of the deep sea, manufacturing their own brilliant light.

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Myctophiformes, commonly known as lanternfishes, are small, deep-sea dwellers that thrive in the lightless depths of the ocean. These remarkable creatures possess specialized bioluminescent organs, allowing them to produce their own light in an environment where the sun never reaches. They represent a fascinating, diverse order of bony fishes.

The order Myctophiformes consists of two distinct families of deep-sea pelagic and bathypelagic fishes. The most prominent is the Myctophidae, or lanternfishes, which includes over 30 genera and approximately 235 to 252 species. The second family, the Neoscopelidae or blackchins, is significantly smaller, containing only six species across three genera. These fishes are typically small, measuring between 10 and 15 centimetres in length, and are characterized by laterally compressed bodies, large mouths, and the presence of an adipose fin.

The name Myctophiformes originates from the Ancient Greek words for nose and serpent, combined with the Latin term for external form, reflecting their slender, heavy-headed appearance. Anatomically, they are distinguished by large eyes, which are often directed sideways, and the presence of photophores—the light-producing organs that define the lanternfish. Their taxonomy remains a subject of ongoing scientific discussion, with researchers comparing them to Aulopiformes and various advanced teleost lineages to better understand their evolutionary placement within the broader class Actinopterygii.

These fishes occupy the pelagic and benthopelagic zones, navigating extreme conditions in the deep ocean. While their exact breeding habits often remain a mystery, their ability to survive in lightless trenches thousands of metres below the surface highlights the extreme adaptability of teleost fishes. As modern taxonomy continues to refine the classification of these deep-sea inhabitants, they remain a vital, if elusive, component of the marine ecosystem, showcasing the incredible diversity found within the world's most advanced bony fishes.

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