|
Northern lampfish
NOT ON EXHIBIT
At the Aquarium
Natural History
Each species of lampfish has a distinct pattern of lights on its body. When a lampfish goes looking for a mate, it seeks out other fish with the same pattern. How does a lampfish make light? It has special light-producing organs—called photophores—along its sides and belly.
Conservation
Anything that finds its way into the ocean, whether it's tossed away as trash, washes off a beach or falls off a boat, may eventually make its way to the deep sea. It's important to realize that the deep sea is not so far away that it's beyond the reach of human activities. Living creatures in the deep are affected by what we do at the surface.
Cool Facts
Most lampfish migrate to the surface nightly to feed.
Lampfish larvae show up in Monterey Bay from December to March.
|
Animal Facts
-
ON EXHIBIT
- Scientific Name:
Stenobrachius leucopsarus
- Habitat:
Deep Sea
- Animal Type:
Fishes
- Diet:
primarily small copepods; also euphausiids, sergestid shrimp, amphipods
- Size:
to 5 inches long (12 cm)
- Range:
midwater (2,297-3,281 feet, or 700-1,000 meters)
- Relatives:
there are several species of lampfish
|