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Mead's lanternfish

Diaphus meadi

Mead's lanternfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Mead's lanternfish (Diaphus meadi) is a tiny mesopelagic species known for its bioluminescent organs and nightly ascent to surface waters. It is popular among deep‑sea anglers and researchers rather than sport fishers, due to its small size and delicate nature.

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Basic Information

Family

Myctophidae

Max Size

5.4 cm

Habitat

marine

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year, with higher catches in summer months in temperate regions

Best Time

Nighttime (dusk to dawn) when lanternfish perform diel vertical migration

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Mead's lanternfish

  • Use a light‑tackle setup with a 2‑4 lb test line and a 4‑6 ft ultralight spinning rod.
  • Deploy tiny bioluminescent or glow‑in‑the‑dark lures, or small jigs tipped with micro‑krill.
  • Fish at night using a boat‑mounted LED light or surface lantern to attract the fish to the surface.
  • Try vertical jigging or slow trolling at depths of 200‑500 m using a downrigger.

Top Fishing Locations for Mead's lanternfish

Christmas Island Deep Waters

Australia
intermediate75% Very Common

Remote island with deep offshore waters where lanternfish aggregations are abundant during the spring bloom.

Best: March–May

Gulf of Mexico – West Texas Shelf

United States
beginner20% Uncommon

Shallow continental shelf edges host occasional lanternfish schools attracted to night-time plankton surges.

Best: June–August

Azores – Mid-Atlantic Ridge Seamounts

Portugal
expert55% Common

Deep seamounts around the Azores see seasonal lanternfish migrations, favored by deep‑sea anglers using light rigs.

Best: September–November

Kona Coast, Big Island

United States
intermediate40% Occasional

Night-time light fishing off Kona draws lanternfish to the surface, especially during winter upwellings.

Best: December–February

Maalhos Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
beginner30% Occasional

Clear, deep lagoon waters around the atoll attract lanternfish during the pre-monsoon plankton surge.

Best: April–June

False Bay, Cape Town

South Africa
intermediate45% Occasional

Cold Benguela upwelling brings lanternfish closer to shore, offering good night-time catches.

Best: October–December

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Mead's lanternfish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 4‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro glow‑in‑the‑dark jig or tiny bioluminescent lure
TechniqueNighttime vertical jigging or light‑trolling

Best bait: Micro‑krill or planktonic zooplankton (or N/A)