Loweina rara (Lütken, 1892)
Laura's lantern fish
photo by SFSA

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Myctophinae
Max. size:  4.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 1 - 1050 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Atlantic Ocean: between 46°N and 26°S. Pacific Ocean: in central water masses (Ref. 4066); in eastern Pacific from 30°N to 30°S (Ref. 31442). Indian Ocean: 10°-22°S (Ref. 4066).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 13-17; Vertebrae: 37-39. Branchiostegal rays: 8-9 (Ref. 31442).
Biology:  High-oceanic and mesopelagic (Ref. 4479, 75154). Neustonic at >1-350 m at night, 550-1050 m during day (Ref. 58302). Found between 550 m to depths deeper than 1,000 m; nyctoepipelagic (rarely at the surface) to 175 m (Ref. 4479). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 31442).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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