This family is abundant in New Zealand's deep offshore waters, particularly across the Chatham Rise and Tasman Sea. Locally, these tiny, bioluminescent fish serve as a vital ecological bridge, migrating to surface waters at night to feed on plankton while acting as a primary food source for New Zealand hoki, fur seals, and seabirds.
Hector’s Lanternfish: Lampanyctodes hectoris is widespread throughout New Zealand and grows to 7cm. It occurs midwater and migrates from deep water during day to near surface at night.
Source: McMillan et al. 2019Blackhead lanternfish: Lampichthys procerus, is widespread in central and northern New Zealand. It grows to 9cm and is found in midwater. The body is pale yellowish and often denuded of scales during capture.
Source: McMillan et al. 2019