Two subfamilies: Myctophinae and Lampanyctinae. Planktonic eggs described for Benthosema pterotum (Gjøsaeter and Tilseth, 1988), and Lampanyctodes hectoris (Robertson, 1977). Extensive and rigorous analysis of larval features by various authors (Moser and Ahlstrom, 1970; 1972; 1974; Ahlstrom et al., 1976b; Moser et al., 1984a; and Moser and Ahlstrom 1996). Larval stages of lanternfish highly diverse, with distinctive transverse mucosal folds in the gut (Moser and Ahlstrom, 1996), photophore below each eye. Morphology, pigmentation pattern, and meristic characters useful for identification. Larvae of most species with moderately slender body (e.g. Krefftichthys anderssoni, Diogenichthys spp., some species of genus Hygophum, some species of genus Diaphus) (Diaphus mollis, Diogenichthys atlanticus, Hygophum hygomii, Krefftichthys anderssoni). Larvae of other species much slenderer, flat heads (e.g. Hygophum reinhardtii). Third group of species with robust larvae, large heads and jaws (e.g. some species of genus Myctophum, or Lampanyctus) (Myctophum nitidulum, Lampanyctus lepidolychnus). Myctophinae larvae with narrow, elliptical eyes (borne on stalks in some species). Most Lampanyctinae larvae with round or nearly round, sessile eyes. For excellent summary of characters useful for genus identification see Moser et al. (1984a). Table Myctophidae gives main sources of descriptions of species that may occur in South Atlantic.
22 geographic zones