Phosichthys argenteus

Taxobox
name = "Phosichthys argenteus"


image_caption = Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Stomiiformes
familia = Phosichthyidae
genus = "Phosichthys"
species = "P. argenteus"
binomial = "Phosichthys argenteus"
binomial_authority = Hutton, 1872

"Phosichthys argenteus", a lightfish and the only member of the genus "Phosichthys", is found in deep subtropical waters of all oceans, from depths of 500 to 2,000 m. Its length is between 10 and 30 cm.

"Phosichthys argenteus" is an elongate deepwater species with large eyes and head. It has two dorsal fins, the second of which is a minute adipose remnant.

These lightfish are brown above and silver below with two rows of green photophores along the belly.

References

*
* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8