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Bolin's lanternfish

Protomyctophum bolini

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

Bolin's lanternfish (Protomyctophum bolini) is a tiny mesopelagic lanternfish, reaching up to 7.6 cm in length. It is known for its bioluminescent organs and nightly vertical migrations, making it a curiosity for scientific and nocturnal light‑tackle anglers rather than a sport‑fish target.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Myctophidae

Max Size

7.6 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

364-728m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Year‑round, with higher surface presence in temperate summer months

Best Time

Night (dusk to dawn) when the species ascends to feed

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Bolin's lanternfish

  • Use a fine‑wire, 2–4 lb test line with an ultra‑light spinning rod (2–3 ft)
  • Deploy a tiny, glow‑in‑the‑dark lure or a small piece of planktonic bait attached to a size 4–6 hook
  • Fish at night using a surface light or LED rig to attract the lanternfish’s bioluminescence
  • Keep the retrieve slow and steady; the fish often bite lightly and can be snagged on the line

Top Fishing Locations for Bolin's lanternfish

Christmas Island Lanternfish Deep

Australia
expert75% Very Common

Remote offshore seamounts around Christmas Island where Bolin's lanternfish form dense nightly aggregations, accessed by deep‑water trolling vessels.

Best: January-February

Azores Mid‑Ocean Ridge

Portugal
intermediate40% Occasional

The Mid‑Atlantic Ridge near the Azores hosts seasonal blooms of lanternfish, attracted by deep‑sea currents; anglers use specialized lights and downriggers.

Best: April-May

Monterey Bay Lanternfish Zone

United States
intermediate30% Occasional

Off Monterey's continental slope, night‑time light rigs bring Bolin's lanternfish to the surface, popular among West Coast deep‑sea anglers.

Best: June-July

Hauraki Gulf Deepwater Trench

New Zealand
intermediate35% Occasional

The trench off the Hauraki Gulf sees a summer peak of lanternfish, reachable with long‑line or lure rigs from charter boats.

Best: December-January

Cape Town Offshore Seamounts

South Africa
intermediate45% Occasional

Seamounts west of Cape Town attract lanternfish during the Southern Hemisphere winter, targeted with illuminated trolling gear.

Best: July-August

Canary Islands Night Lights

Spain
beginner20% Uncommon

Night‑time light rigs along the Canary Islands' deep slopes draw occasional schools of Bolin's lanternfish, suitable for adventurous anglers.

Best: September-October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Bolin's lanternfish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod, 2–3 ft, fast action
Line2–4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro glow lure or tiny soft plastic jig (N/A if using live plankton)
TechniqueNight surface light trolling or vertical jigging in the upper mesopelagic

Best bait: Live planktonic crustaceans or zooplankton, or ‘N/A’ if using light lure