Additional Interesting Facts

• The Kryptophanaron alfredi, along with many other marine bioluminescent organisms, use their light organ as a means of reproduction.  They send out “blinking” signals that attract mates.  A group of nine individuals in Puerto Rico were found blinking and swimming around rapidly in shallower waters.  This was thought to be a mating or courtship mechanism (Colin et al. 1979).   
  
  
• According to one finding of specimens by Colin et al, the K. alfredi has six dorsal spines, two anal spines, and two ventral rays. (See picture on home page or adaptation page.) The standard length of the fish ranges from 58-106 mm, depending on sex and where it is found in the Caribbean.  The fish is mostly black, the head and fins the darkest and get lighter on the sides (Colin et al. 1979). Also for more information about physical feature, along with an image, check out Fishes of the Western Atlantic. 
  
  
• The first K. alfredi was an adult female found in the waters off the coast of Jamaica (Silvester and Fowler 1926).
  
  
• K. alfredi is a heterotrophic fish.  This means it eats other animals for energy. For more information on what this fish eats, check out our interactions page. Also for more examples of heterotrophic animals check out Panthera unica (Snow Panther) and the aquatic Carcharodon carcharias (Great White Shark).  
  
  
• The Greek translation for Kryptophanaron alfredi is "hidden visible" (Robins and Ray 1986). 
  
  For additional facts about Kryptophanaron alfredi's name and description, visit Atlantic flashlightfish.
  
  
  Want to see where we got our information? Visit our references page.
  
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