lanternfish; lantern fish
Refers to any fish of the family Myctophidae, especially Diaphus watasei. Typically used in biological or culinary contexts.
Lanternfish are small fish that live in the deep sea.
This dried fish is made from lanternfish.
Katakana spelling is standard for this fish name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 裸 (hadaka, 'naked') and 鰯 (iwashi, 'sardine'), referring to the fish's appearance. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.