Diaphus meadi Nafpaktitis, 1978
Mead's lanternfish
photo by SFSA

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Diaphinae
Max. size:  5.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range - 250 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Circumglobal distribution in the region of the Subtropical Convergence, but may be absent over the region 115°W to the coast of Chile. Eastern Atlantic: known from the southern boundary limit, 23°S to 21°S but probably farther to the north in the Benguela Upwelling Region. Southwest Atlantic: between 32°S and 46°S (Ref. 47377).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14
Biology:  Oceanic and mesopelagic (Ref. 4066). Taken as prey by hakes, kingklip and Cape horse mackerel (Ref. 36731). Found in the upper 250 m at night. Spawns in spring-early summer. Reach sexual maturity at a length of 3,6 cm (Ref. 47377).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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