Northern lampfish
Stenobrachius leucopsarus
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Fishes
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other lampfish species
- Diet
- Primarily small copepods; also euphausiids, sergestid shrimp, amphipods
- Range
- Midwater from 2,297 to 3,281 feet (700 – 1,000 m)
- Size
- Up to 5 inches long (12 cm)
Meet the northern lampfish
Each species of lampfish has a distinct pattern of lights on their bodies. When a lampfish goes looking for a mate, they seek out other fish with the same pattern. Lampfish make light with special light-producing organs called photophores along their sides and bellies.
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. The deep sea isn't 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.
Want to see amazing deep-sea creatures up close? Visit our exhibition, Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean (En lo Profundo: Explorando Nuestro Océano Desconocido).
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