Species guide
How to catch Smallfin lanternfish
Benthosema suborbitale
saltwaterMyctophidae
The Smallfin lanternfish is a tiny, deep-sea fish known for its bioluminescent features. It inhabits midwater ocean zones and feeds selectively on small zooplankton. This species plays a crucial role in oceanic food webs despite its small size.
Where they live
Found in open oceans of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It lives from 375 to 750 meters deep by day and rises near the surface at night, down to 125 meters.
Typical size
Up to about 4 cm
What they eat
- small amphipods
- copepods
- krill
- zooplankton
- ostracods
Best baits
- small planktonic bait
Best lures
- tiny soft plastics
- micro jigs
How to fish for them
- plankton mimicry lures
- slow jigging
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