flashlight fish

any of three species of fishes in the family Anomalopidae (order Beryciformes), characterized by the presence of luminescent organs just below the eye. They are among the few species of non-deep-sea fishes to possess such organs. Phosphorescent bacteria create the light continuously, but each species has its own mechanism for decreasing the luminescence; when swimming, some fishes create a blinking effect by alternately covering and uncovering the light. Each of the three species of lantern-eye fishes is in a separate genus. Two are found in tropical marine habitats of the Indo-Pacific region; the third lives in the Caribbean. All are small, the maximum length being 30 cm (1 foot). The name lantern-eye fish refers most specifically to Anomalops kaptoptron and Photoblepharon palpebratus, both found in the East Indies.

We introduce you to a species of fish qualifying for treatment under the exotic heading because it is both expensive and

possibly one of the most unusual species you will ever come across. First impressions can be deceptive and the image, right, is typical of how this species is depicted in many books. In the flesh a healthy specimen will appear solid black in colour having an appearance of velvet. For this reason alone it is striking and extremely desirable. However, this species has other strings to its bow and one of these makes it simply stunning.

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