Bristlemouths, particularly species in the genus *Cyclothone*, are small, bioluminescent deep-sea fish considered among the most abundant vertebrates on Earth. These fish inhabit mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones of oceans worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical waters. Despite their vast numbers, bristlemouths are not a major target of commercial fisheries due to their small size, deep habitat, and limited economic value. However, some countries with advanced deep-sea fishing industries, such as Japan, Russia, and Norway, have conducted exploratory harvesting of bristlemouths and related mesopelagic species for use as fishmeal or animal feed. To date, large-scale commercial exploitation remains limited, but ongoing research into sustainable deep-sea resources may increase interest in these fish in the future.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.