The Patchwork Lampfish (Myctophum affine) is a small, bioluminescent mesopelagic fish belonging to the lanternfish family, Myctophidae. Recognizable by its distinctive photophores and patchwork-like markings, it inhabits deep oceanic waters worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, Patchwork Lampfish are incidentally harvested in some countries as part of the broader "lanternfish" or "myctophid" fishery, which is mainly used for fishmeal, animal feed, and occasionally as bait in tuna fisheries. The leading nations involved in the harvesting of lanternfish species, including the Patchwork Lampfish, are Japan, Russia, and China, with experimental or small-scale fisheries also present in countries such as Norway and Chile. These countries have developed specialized midwater trawl fisheries to exploit the vast biomass of lanternfishes in the open ocean, reflecting both the growing interest in underutilized deep-sea resources and the challenges of sustainably managing these enigmatic species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faroe Islands | 160 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.