Family Gonostomatidae - lightfishes

Although lightfishes are abundant, their small size and deep water habitat makes observations rare except by research vessels. They are found worldwide in all temperate and tropical seas.

Benttooth bristlemouth- Cyclothone acclindens

Remarks: These mesopelagic species sometimes enter the bay during strong tides. Most remain unnoticed due to their small size and low abundance. Large schools are common outside the bay in offshore waters.

Identification: Body is dark brown or black to 7.1cm. Small photophores line the lower sides. The dorsal fin is set far back on the body and the anal fin is one third larger than the dorsal fin.

Range: Peruvian to Oregon waters. These are mesopelagic fish staying within the water column from 60m to 1100m in depth.