
The
flashlight fish are a family, the
Anomalopidae, of
beryciform
fish. There are some unrelated fish with similar features, some of
which are also called flashlight fish. Notable among these are the
deep sea lanternfish, of the family
Myctophidae, of which there are over 200 species.

Flashlight fishes live in tropical waters across the world. Some
species move to shallow waters or coral during the night, but otherwise,
they are exclusively deep water fish. They are typically about 14
centimetres (5.5 in) in adult length, although some species reach twice
this size. They feed on small
crustaceans.

Flashlight fish are named for their large
bioluminescent organs. These are located beneath the eyes and contain luminous
bacteria.
Two methods are used by different species for controlling light
emission, either a shutter-like lid is raised over the organ or the
organ is turned downward into a pouch. The light is used for predator
avoidance, to attract prey, and for communication.
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