Gymnoscopelus nicholsi (Gilbert, 1911)
Nichol's lanternfish
Gymnoscopelus nicholsi
photo by Colombo, G.L.A.

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Gymnoscopelinae
Max. size:  19.1 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 47.1 g
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range - 300 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Generally ranges between Antarctica and 35°S (off Argentina), 47°S (Falkland Current region), and 47°-49°S (between 45°E and 71°E). Adults occur only in high latitudes (South Orkneys, South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula); juveniles and adults in waters around South Georgia and central Scotia Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 19-21
Biology:  South of the Antarctic Polar Front, adults occur in upper 250 m of open ocean and over continental shelves and oceanic banks (spring-summer) during the day, migrating to 50- 100 m at night. Also mesopelagic (Ref. 4066). Feeds on euphausiids and euphausiid larvae, hyperiids, mysids, copepods, and amphipods.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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