Splitfin flashlightfish

Splitfin flashlightfish
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Beryciformes
Family:	Anomalopidae
Genus:	Anomalops Kner, 1868
Species:	A. katoptron
Binomial name
Anomalops katoptron (Bleeker, 1856)

The splitfin flashlightfish, Anomalops katoptron, is a species of flashlight fish found in the warm waters of the central and western Pacific Ocean where they are found in shallow waters in the vicinity of reefs and in deep waters from depths of 200 to 400 metres (660 to 1,310 ft). This species grows to a length of 35 centimetres (14 in) TL. This species is the only known member of its genus. ^[1]

Physical description

Splitfin flashlightfish gets its name from its two glowing patches that are cause by bio-luminescent bacteria in organs below each eye. This fish have a black body with a blueish tint on their caudal and dorsal fins. This species grows to a length of 35 centimetres (14 in) TL. ^[2]

Behavior

These fish are nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on zooplankton and smaller fishes. ^[3]

In the aquarium

This fish can be found in the aquarium trade. It requires an aquarium of at least 125 gallons where it can be kept with other nocturnal fish including Pinecone Fish, Squirrelfish and Cardinalfish. This species requires plenty of hiding places and low lighting in the aquarium. ^[4]

References