The lanternfish, or Notoscopelus elongatus, is a marine fish often overlooked by sport fishermen in Quebec. Although it is not sought after for recreational fishing due to its small size and low fighting ability, it plays an important role in the marine ecosystem. Mainly found in salt and brackish waters, this fish is encountered in the coastal regions of Quebec, particularly in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its interest lies more in its ecological role and as a food source for other marine species.

The lanternfish is a small fish with a slender silhouette and silver scales. Its dominant color is a mix of blue and silver, with metallic reflections that can be observed underwater. It is equipped with photophores, small light-producing structures located along its body, which are characteristic of fish in the Myctophidae family. Its mouth is relatively small, adapted to capture small prey. The fins are translucent and the tail is forked, allowing it to swim quickly. Young lanternfish closely resemble adults, although they are obviously smaller. There is no notable difference between males and females during spawning.

In Quebec, the lanternfish is primarily found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and adjacent waters. It is generally absent from freshwater, preferring marine or brackish environments. Although its distribution is quite wide in the gulf, it is rarely observed near the shores due to its preference for deeper waters. Its abundance varies, but it is often more present in areas where plankton is abundant, serving as food.

The lanternfish prefers marine and brackish waters, often at medium to great depths. It is typically found in areas where plankton is abundant, as it feeds on it. It favors environments where the water temperature is moderate, around 10 to 15 °C. To locate it, search in areas where ocean currents are present, as they transport plankton. It is less likely to be found in stagnant or very shallow waters.

The life cycle of the lanternfish begins with the spawning of eggs in open water. The eggs float in the water column until they hatch. The larvae develop rapidly, reaching sexual maturity in about a year. The lifespan of the lanternfish is relatively short, around 2 to 3 years. Lanternfish typically spawn in the spring when temperature and food conditions are optimal. Spring → Spawning → Summer → Growth of juveniles → Fall → Preparation for winter → Winter → Survival of mature adults.

The lanternfish is a social fish, often found in large schools. It is not territorial and often moves in search of food. Its reaction to noise and weather changes is moderate; it may be sensitive to changes in light, as it uses its photophores for communication and location. Lanternfish are more active at night when their photophores are more visible.

The diet of the lanternfish mainly consists of plankton, which it captures with its small mouth. Fry primarily feed on phytoplankton, while adults prefer zooplankton. In winter, when plankton is less abundant, they may feed on small crustaceans. Their feeding habits change little between seasons, although food availability may influence their distribution.

The lanternfish is active year-round, but its habits may vary with the seasons. In spring, it approaches spawning areas to lay eggs. In summer, it takes advantage of plankton-rich waters. Fall sees a migration to deeper waters to avoid colder temperatures. In winter, the lanternfish remains active but at depths where the temperature remains stable. The best times to observe it are generally at night when its photophores are visible. Weather conditions, such as wind and atmospheric pressure, have little impact on its behavior.

Lanternfish are generally not targeted by sport fishermen, so the use of lures is not common. However, if you are looking to observe or catch them for studies, opt for small baits that mimic plankton. Natural and translucent colors are preferable in clear waters, while brighter colors may be useful in murky waters or low light.

To observe or capture lanternfish, a small net and a flashlight may suffice. If you want to catch them for studies, use a light rod with a fishing line of 2 to 4 lb. Hooks should be very small to match their mouth. A fluorocarbon leader can be useful to remain discreet in the water.

Handle lanternfish with care, as their small size makes them fragile. Use wet hands to avoid damaging their skin. If you capture them for studies, ensure to release them back into the water quickly and gently. For photos, keep them in the water as much as possible to minimize stress.

Lanternfish have several natural predators, including larger fish such as mackerel and tuna. Seabirds, such as gulls, may also feed on lanternfish when they are near the surface.

The lanternfish is not a threatened species in Quebec. There are no specific regulations regarding its capture, as it is not targeted by sport fishing. However, it is important to respect the marine ecosystem by avoiding overfishing of species that feed on lanternfish.