Photoblepharon palpebratum (Boddaert, 1781)
Eyelight fish
Photoblepharon palpebratum
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Anomalopidae (Lanterneye fishes)
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Philippines to the Society Islands, south to New Caledonia. Replaced in the western Indian Ocean by Photoblepharon steinitzi (Ref. 37816).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-20; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-15. Description: Characterized by dark brown color, black head and pectoral fins; lateral-line arched over pectoral fin; reduced and discontinuous midventral scutes; raising shutter from below turns off light organ; large eye, about 2.3 in head length; body depth 2.3-2.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs along seaward reefs near or along steep drop-offs with caves (Ref. 9710). In some areas it may approach the surface (Ref. 9710). Usually feeds in large groups away from the reefs at night. Well hidden in caves during the day and rarely seen; often observed at 10-30 m at night (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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