myctophids

Noun

myctophid (plural myctophids)

1. Any of the small deep-sea fish of the large family Myctophidae, known for their conspicuous use of bioluminescence.
   • The astronesthes, or 'eater of the stars,' so called because it feeds entirely upon other 'star-lit' fish called myctophids, is not only endowed with a number of small, luminous organs upon its body, but its fins, and the greater part of its chin-barbels, also emit a bright light.1933, Walter Sydney Berridge, All about Fish and Other Denizens of the Seas & Rivers, page 67

   Synonyms:

   lanternfish