Largescale Lanternfish

Symbolophorus veranyi reaches a maximum length of 12.5cm and has a maximum recorded weight of 21.3g. This fish has a fusiform or torpedo-like body shape. The eyes are fairly large. Like other lanternfishes, S. veranyi has a species-specific arrangement of light organs on its underside and flanks, including a strongly angulate pattern of supra-anal photophores that distinguishes this genus from other myctophids.

Symbolophorus veranyi is a mesopelagic fish with a wide distribution across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean. This species engages in diel vertical migration, remaining at depths of 550-700m during daylight hours and ascending near the surface at night. There is some size stratification at night, with smaller individuals found at deeper depths than larger adults.

Symbolophorus veranyi feeds on a variety of zooplankton and micronekton, including amphipods and other fishes. It is a prey item for a variety of oceanic predators, including swordfish and Common dolphins.

Symbolophorus takes its name from the Greek symbolon meaning mark or signal and pherein, meaning to carry; this refers to the strongly angulated series of supra-anal photophores. The specific name of S. veranyi honours French pharmacist-naturalist Jean Baptist Vérany, the co-founder and director of the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Nice, near which S. veranyi was first found.