Family Myctophidae - lanternfishes

Lanternfishes can be found throughout the worlds oceans. These fish spend the daylight hours at depths with little or no light and may migrate to the surface at night to feed. Most members of this family are similar except for the photophore patterns which distinguish each species.

Northern lampfish- Stenobrachius leucopsarus

Remarks: Another oceanic species entering the bay with high tides.

Identification: Body is anchovy-like in form with light organs on lower sides. Mouth extends past eye and there is an adipose fin. Coloration is dark gray; to a length of 13cm.

Range: Bering Sea to northern Baja. Resides at deep depths during the day and migrates vertically at night.

Blue lanternfish- Tarletonbeania crenularis

Remarks: Uncommon in the bay but frequently resides nearby offshore. A mesopelagic species which migrates vertically at night.

Identification: Mouth extends past the eyes and photophores line the lower body. Anal fin terminates below the adipose fin. Body length to 12.7cm.

Range: British Columbia to central Baja.