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Diaphus suborbitalis

Diaphus suborbitalis

Diaphus suborbitalis© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Diaphus suborbitalis is a small lanternfish of the Myctophidae family, reaching about 7.3 cm in length. Its bioluminescent organs make it a curiosity for night‑time anglers seeking deep‑sea species, though it is not a common food fish.

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Basic Information

Family

Myctophidae

Max Size

7.3 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

387-1537m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year, with a slight increase in catches during summer months when surface night‑time migrations are strongest

Best Time

Nighttime – dusk through dawn when the fish ascend to feed

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Diaphus suborbitalis

  • Use a light‑spinning rod with a sensitive tip to feel the subtle bites
  • Troll or vertical jig with a tiny bioluminescent lure or glow stick to attract the lanternfish
  • Keep line weight light (2‑4 lb test) to avoid spooking the fish and allow the lure to sink slowly
  • Fish during new‑moon or low‑light conditions for best visibility of the lure’s glow

Top Fishing Locations for Diaphus suborbitalis

Christmas Island Deep Waters

Australia
expert75% Very Common

Remote deep‑sea waters around Christmas Island are renowned for abundant lanternfish aggregations, making it a prime target for Diaphus suborbitalis during night‑time light trolling.

Best: December-February

Kona Coast Light Trolling Spot

United States
intermediate30% Occasional

Off the Kona coast of Hawaii, night‑time light rigs attract mesopelagic schools, offering anglers a chance at Diaphus suborbitalis among other lanternfish species.

Best: May-September

Tenerife Offshore Lanternfish Grounds

Spain
intermediate45% Occasional

The deep waters south of Tenerife in the Canary Islands host seasonal lanternfish blooms, drawing specialist anglers seeking Diaphus suborbitalis.

Best: July-October

Bismarck Sea Lanternfish Zone

Papua New Guinea
expert60% Common

The nutrient‑rich Bismarck Sea supports strong Diaphus suborbitalis populations, especially during the pre‑monsoon months when upwelling is strongest.

Best: March-May

Azores Mid‑Atlantic Lanternfish Corridor

Portugal
expert55% Common

Deep offshore currents around the Azores concentrate lanternfish, providing a bucket‑list experience for anglers targeting Diaphus suborbitalis with specialized gear.

Best: June-August

Key West Gulf Stream Light Trolling Spot

United States
beginner20% Uncommon

The warm Gulf Stream waters off Key West attract occasional lanternfish schools, offering a more accessible but less predictable Diaphus suborbitalis fishery.

Best: April-June

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Diaphus suborbitalis

Recommended Equipment

RodLight‑spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro‑jig or tiny glow‑stick lure (1‑2 inches)
TechniqueVertical jigging or slow night‑time trolling with a light source to mimic prey

Best bait: N/A – use bioluminescent lures or tiny plankton mimics