Lanternfish

/lˈantənfɪʃ/

/lˈæntɚnfɪʃ/

[noun]

Lanternfish

[NOUN]

a small bony marine fish with a large mouth and eyes, which has spots on its skin that shine in the dark

What is a "lanternfish"?

A lanternfish is a small, bioluminescent fish found in the deep oceans around the world. They derive their name from the light-producing organs on their bodies, which they use for various purposes. These fish have a slender and elongated body, with large eyes adapted for low-light conditions. Their bioluminescent capabilities allow them to emit light, which helps attract prey, communicate with other lanternfish, and camouflage themselves from predators. Lanternfish play a crucial role in the marine food chain, serving as a vital food source for larger predatory fish, whales, and seabirds. They undertake daily vertical migrations, swimming to shallower depths during the night to feed on plankton and returning to deeper waters during the day to avoid predators.

Examples

1. For example, it's eaten by lanternfish, the lanternfish are eaten by squid, the squid are eaten by tuna, and the tuna are eaten by us.

2. Other fish use lights to confuse predators, and some predators use lights to see, like lanternfish.

3. For example, it's eaten by lanternfish, the lanternfish are eaten by squid, the squid are eaten by tuna, and the tuna are eaten by us.

4. The appropriately-named lanternfish also have them.