Lanternfish are small, bioluminescent fish found in deep ocean waters, primarily in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They belong to the family Myctophidae and typically measure between 1 to 10 inches in length. Their unique ability to produce light helps them evade predators and communicate with each other. These fish play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, serving as a significant food source for larger species like tuna, squid, and whales. Lanternfish are also important for the ocean's carbon cycle, as they migrate to the surface at night to feed, helping to transport carbon from the surface to deeper waters.