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Harvey's flashlightfish (Phthanophaneron harveyi) — Anomalopidae

Harvey's flashlightfish

Phthanophaneron harveyi
Family: Anomalopidae

The Harvey's flashlightfish (Phthanophaneron harveyi) is a saltwater fish of the family Anomalopidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
32–36 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Harvey's flashlightfish is a flashlightfish (Anomalopidae) from deeper rocky and reef water of the eastern Pacific around Mexico. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, dark body with a large light organ below each eye that glows from symbiotic luminous bacteria. As a nocturnal fish it rises in darkness and uses the light to attract plankton and communicate with its kind. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Harvey's flashlightfish?

The Harvey's flashlightfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Harvey's flashlightfish live?

The Harvey's flashlightfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Mexico

How big does the Harvey's flashlightfish get?

The Harvey's flashlightfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Harvey's flashlightfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Harvey's flashlightfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Harvey's flashlightfish edible?

Yes, the Harvey's flashlightfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Harvey's flashlightfish sourced
Scientific name
Phthanophaneron harveyi
Family
Anomalopidae
Other names
Gulf flashlightfish; Panamic flashlightfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
32 verified
Max depth (m)
36 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Anomalopidae

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