Species guide
How to catch Antarctic lanternfish
Electrona antarctica
The Antarctic lanternfish is a small, deep-sea fish known for its important role in the Southern Ocean's pelagic ecosystem. It inhabits mesopelagic ocean zones and feeds mainly on zooplankton and small crustaceans. Despite its small size, it represents a significant biomass in its environment.
Where they live
This species lives in oceanic waters south of the Antarctic Polar Front, usually within the upper 100 meters but found deeper at lower latitudes. It inhabits mesopelagic zones across southern parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Typical size
Up to about 12 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
- euphausiids (krill)
- polychaete worms
- planktonic eggs
Best baits
- small plankton mimics
- tiny shrimp imitations
Best lures
- small jigs
- micro soft plastics
How to fish for them
- light spinning
- micro jigging
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