Lanternfish (Pisces: Myctophidae) biomass distribution and oceanographic–topographic associations at Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean

Lanternfish biomass at Macquarie Island is significantly enhanced where the Subantarctic Front (SAF) interacts with the Ridge Gap, a topographic break in the Macquarie Ridge. This study documents for the first time the summertime lanternfish assemblage, dominated by Krefftichthys anderssoni and Gymnoscopelus braueri, revealing mean biomass of 3.13 g per 1000 m³ in the Ridge Gap—nearly five times higher than over the Abyssal Plain (0.71 g) and double that on the Macquarie Ridge (1.26 g). The research suggests that oceanographic-topographic interactions, such as eddy systems and productivity fronts, play a crucial role in attracting lanternfish to this region. These findings highlight the vulnerability of this ecosystem to climate-mediated changes, with potential cascading effects on commercially and conservationally significant predators.

Flynn, A. J., & Williams, A. (2011). Lanternfish (Pisces: Myctophidae) biomass distribution and oceanographic–topographic associations at Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(3), 251–263. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf11163