Facts about Lanternfish

1. 07

   Lanternfish in the North Atlantic can live up to 10 years, with some species showing growth rings in their otoliths similar to tree rings that scientists use to determine precise age.

   LanternfishMay 14sharebiologymeasurementaging
2. 06

   The Mariana Trench hosts lanternfish species that survive at depths exceeding 7,000 meters, making them among the deepest-living fish on Earth.

   LanternfishMay 14sharebiologydepthadaptation
3. 05

   Lanternfish eggs and larvae drift passively in ocean currents for months before juvenile fish develop the ability to perform the characteristic vertical migrations of adults.

   LanternfishMay 14sharelifecyclereproductionmigration
4. 04

   Each lanternfish species possesses a unique pattern of photophores, functioning like a fingerprint for individual identification and species recognition in the deep ocean.

   LanternfishMay 14sharebiologyidentificationcommunication
5. 03

   Lanternfish constitute approximately 65 percent of all deep-sea fish biomass despite individual species rarely exceeding 6 inches in length.

   LanternfishMay 14sharebiologymeasurementocean
6. 02

   Bioluminescent photophores covering lanternfish bodies produce light through chemical reactions involving luciferin and luciferase, allowing them to communicate and hunt in complete darkness below 200 meters.

   LanternfishMay 14sharebiologybioluminescenceadaptation
7. 01

   Over 65 percent of lanternfish biomass in the ocean performs a daily vertical migration of up to 1000 meters, making them likely the largest animal migration on Earth by mass.

   LanternfishMay 14sharebiologymeasurementocean