Diaphus problematicus Parr, 1928
Problematic lanternfish
Diaphus problematicus
photo by JAMARC

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Diaphinae
Max. size:  10.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 40 - 820 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Tropical waters of all three oceans with extensions into higher latitudes in western boundary currents: in the Atlantic to 38°N and 39°S; in the western Pacific to 26°N. Eastern Atlantic: from about 4°N to about 13°S, with some records at about 20°N, but absent over the Mauritanian Upwelling Region.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 16-18
Biology:  Oceanic species occurring between 375-750 m during the day and between 40-225 m at night. Reach sexual maturity at 7,6 cm (Ref. 47377).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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