Pollichthys mauli (Poll, 1953)
Stareye lightfish
Pollichthys mauli
photo by NOAA\NMFS\Mississippi Laboratory

Family:  Phosichthyidae (Lightfishes)
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 600 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: as far north as 60°N, 20°W (Ref. 4778); Canary Islands (Ref. 4470) to off west African coast (Ref. 3988). Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 27768). Elsewhere, North Atlantic (60°-30°) and western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 22-30. Dark dorsum, flanks silver (Ref. 3988). Slender body, longer anal fin and tail set (Ref. 37473).
Biology:  An oceanic and mesopelagic species, adults and juveniles usually found at 200-500 m by day and the majority of them migrate into upper 100-200 m at night. Feeds mainly on small crustaceans. Dioecious with peak spawning during summer. Adult photophore complement attained at about 25-27 mm SL (Ref. 4778).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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