Common name : Greater silver hatchetfish
Scientific name : Argyropelecus gigas
Family : Sternoptychidae
Native to : Oceans worldwide except the North Pacific
Interesting fact : Giant hatchetfish can jumpout of water and catch mosquitoes and flies.
Conservation status : Not Evaluated
The giant hatchetfish lives deep in the sea with about 45 known species. Its extremely thin body resembles a hatchet. They have large, tubular eyes that point upwards enabling them to search for food above. Its entire body has photophores and can produce light. They migrate to shallower waters at night to feed on plankton and tiny fish. Their lifespan is less than a year.
