Anomalops katoptron (Bleeker, 1856)
Splitfin flashlightfish
Anomalops katoptron
photo by Steene, R.

Family:  Anomalopidae (Lanterneye fishes)
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 400 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Philippines and Indonesia to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Description: Characterized by dark grey color to nearly blackish with white margin on soft dorsal, anal, caudal and pelvic fins; lateral-line nearly straight; well developed and continuous midventral scutes; light organ turned off by rotating inward; large eye, 2.5-2.7 in head length; depth of body 3.0-3.3 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Hides during the day and venture out at night to feed, tending to occur along steep drop-offs near caves on dark, moonless nights. Feeds on zooplankton. The large, deep water form is occasionally collected by fishing at depths of 200 to 400 m. Caught with cast nets in shallow waters of the Philippines. Forms aggregations (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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