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Diaphus theta Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890
California Headlightfish
Family: Myctophidae
Introduction to the Fish

Photograph

© Aaron Baldwin     (Photo ID #18411)

Map

Source: Distribution of Diaphus theta as compiled by Aquamaps

Introduction


This is a species of lanternfish that is found in the Eastern Pacific. Lanternfish are small deep sea fish that have rows of photophores along each side and use bioluminescence. This species exhibits daily vertical migration for feeding.

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14; Vertebrae: 34 - 36. Adipose small, narrow based, slender (Ref. 6885). Brown to black on dorsal surface, lighter ventrally; fins pale (Ref. 6885). Branchiostegal rays: 9 (Ref. 31442).

Source: FishBase. Clemens, W.A. and G.V Wilby. 1961 . (Ref. 4925).

Biology

Species Biology

Epipelagic to mesopelagic (Ref. 31442). Feed at night or in the morning (Ref. 9199), on euphausiids, copepods, and amphipods (Ref. 11712). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 31442). Lipid content is 15.8 % in fresh body weight while wax ester is present in trace amounts (Ref. 9197). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 6885. bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 3400 m (Ref. 50550), usually 10 - 400 m (Ref. 28981). Deep water.

Source: FishBase. Clemens, W.A. and G.V Wilby. 1961 . (Ref. 4925).

Distribution

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: common in California Current region to 20°S (Ref. 31442), including Hawaii (Ref. 4925). Northwest Pacific: throughout subarctic-transitional waters to northern Japan (Ref. 31442).

Source: FishBase. Clemens, W.A. and G.V Wilby. 1961 . (Ref. 4925).

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
 University of Alaska Museum

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