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Black lantern fish

Lampanyctus niger

The Black lantern fish (Lampanyctus niger) is a small mesopelagic lanternfish, reaching about 14.8 cm. It is bioluminescent and forms nocturnal swarms that briefly rise toward the surface, making it a curiosity for deep‑sea anglers rather than a sport target.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Myctophidae

Max Size

14.8 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

100-1015m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Year‑round, with a slight increase in activity during summer months in temperate regions

Best Time

Nighttime, especially during the dusk/dawn vertical migration

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Black lantern fish

  • Use a light‑spinning rod with a sensitive tip to detect subtle bites
  • Deploy LED‑powered jigs or glow‑in‑the‑dark lures that mimic the fish’s bioluminescence
  • Fish at depths of 200‑800 m using a vertical jigging rig, allowing the lure to descend slowly before a gentle lift
  • Target the fish after sunset when lanternfish ascend toward the surface

Top Fishing Locations for Black lantern fish

Christmas Island Deep Lantern Zone

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

Remote reefs around Christmas Island host abundant black lantern fish during the austral winter, attracted by nocturnal plankton blooms.

Best: May-September

Kona Coast Night Lights

United States
beginner35% Occasional

Off Kona, the deep waters see nightly ascents of lantern fish, especially during the summer upwelling season.

Best: June-September

Ari Atoll Lantern Grounds

Maldives
intermediate22% Uncommon

Clear night waters above the atoll’s drop-offs bring black lantern fish to the surface, popular with eco‑tourist anglers.

Best: November-February

Foul Bay, Mahé

Seychelles
expert30% Occasional

Deep reef walls near Mahé see seasonal spikes of black lantern fish during the southeast trade winds.

Best: April-June

Azores Mid‑Atlantic Lantern Site

Portugal
intermediate28% Uncommon

The volcanic seamounts around the Azores attract lantern fish in autumn when deep currents bring nutrients upward.

Best: September-November

Fiordland Deep‑Sea Lantern Area

New Zealand
expert40% Occasional

Steep submarine canyons off Fiordland provide a cold‑water habitat favored by black lantern fish during the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Best: December-February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Black lantern fish

Recommended Equipment

RodLight‑spinning rod, 6‑7 ft, medium‑fast action
Line10‑20 lb test braided line
Lure TypeSmall glow‑in‑the‑dark jigs or LED‑bait rigs
TechniqueNight‑time vertical jigging or slow trolling with lighted lures to attract the bioluminescent swarm

Best bait: N/A (use artificial lighted lures)