One explanation for this behavior is that vast quantities of tiny plankton rise to the surface of the ocean at night species that feed on this rich food source, such as the lantern fish, therefore gain from having a condensed source of food at such times. Living at depths between 655-3,280 ft (200-1,000 m), these species undergo nightly migrations to the surface to feed, descending once again to the depths during the day. They are commonly found in large schools. Most are small fish, measuring from 0.8-10.4 in (2-15 cm) in length. Lantern fish (family Myctophidae) are one of the most important groups of midwater fishes, with some 250-300 species known. The eyes themselves are large with large lenses and pupils and highly sensitive retinas, suggesting that vision is an important sense for these species. Some species even have light organs on their tails the purpose of these is probably to act as false lures to potential predators. The former organs give off a twinkling effect as the animals swim, while the latter are far more powerful, effectively lighting up the area immediately ahead of the fish.
![lantern fish lantern fish](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUJHDPFnQAo/UjoT1HmKc7I/AAAAAAAAA5s/scMowNim0x4/s1600/lanternfish_melissavanderpaardt.png)
#Lantern fish series
In addition to a series of rows of light-producing organs along their sides (the pattern and number of which varies according to species), some lantern fish, such as those of the genus Diaphus, also have larger organs both in front of and underneath the eyes, rather like a miner's lamp. Each light organ, known as a photophore, is connected to the animal's nervous system which, perhaps together with some form of hormonal control, dictates the flashing sequence of these organs. Lantern fish are so called on account of the special light-producing organs that are found in their skin.