Splitfin Flashlightfish

This luminous Pacific fish is a fascinating animal.

Its diet comprises zooplankton and small crustaceans.

It shelters in undersea caverns, caves and crevices during the day.

Juveniles can be seen on very dark nights near caves and slopes. 

Where is the animal to be found?

It lives in coral reefs to depths of 400 metres. It shelters in undersea caverns, caves and crevices during the day. Juveniles can be seen on very dark nights near caves and slopes.

How can it be recognised?

It has a bean-shaped luminous organ beneath its eye that gives off a bluish light. This is possible due to the presence of bioluminescent bacteria in these pouches.

This phosphorescent organ helps it to find food and avoid predators.

The light from this luminous organ can sometimes look like it’s blinking. This is probably used to communicate within a group.

It can also “turn off” this light by turning its organ inwards.

What is distinctive about it?

The splitfin flashlight fish is a nocturnal animal: it comes out at night to feed. Its diet mainly comprises zooplankton and small crustaceans.