Diaphus effulgens (Goode & Bean, 1896)
Headlight fish
photo by Fischer, L.G.

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Diaphinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 6000 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: from 40° to 17°N, from 19°S to Subtropical Convergence zone. Western Atlantic: USA to about 20°N, from Brazil to Subtropical Convergence. Indian Ocean: west of 70°E between 5°S-38°S. Western Pacific: between 0° and 29°N, Southeast Asian seas, New South Wales, Australia (Ref. 7300) and New Zealand (Ref. 5755). Central and Southeast Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 15-16
Biology:  High-oceanic and mesopelagic species (Ref. 4066), found between 501-700 m during the day and between 40-175 m during the night, exhibiting size stratification with depth (Ref. 4479). Probably spawns in deep water during spring (Ref. 4479).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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