• Question: How lanternfish get the light?

    Asked by Nachistico to Rupert, Ines on 7 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Ines Goncalves

      Ines Goncalves answered on 7 Mar 2017:

      Lanternfish produce their own light. They have photophores, which are glandular organs that are connected to the nervous system of the fish. I think they produce light almost like a muscle twitch, when the photophores receive an impulse from the nervous system, they flash light. Rupert, do you know more about lanternfish?

    • Photo: Rupert Marshall

      Rupert Marshall answered on 7 Mar 2017:

      Good question! It’s important not to confuse lanternfish with angler fish too. It’s not something I know lots about but Ines is right that the light comes from photophores. The light patterns vary between species. Scientists think the light is useful for camouflage – it replaces the light that would otherwise come from above, so predators below can’t see them. They seem to be able to adjust how brightly they glow according to how much light is shining on them from above – the lights are a bit like a cloak of invisibility. Just as well as lots of animals eat them!

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