classifications include the genera Pollichthys and Vinciguerria, but this article follows FishBase in placing them in the family Phosichthyidae. Some classifications include species in the genus Zaphotias, but these are junior synonyms of the species Bonapartia pedaliota. Feeding habits Brislemouths feed mostly on zooplankton and small crustaceans. Their diet is composed of a range from 92-98% of Crustacea. A minor part of their diet is made up of opportunistic encounters with smaller fish. Brislemouths that consume fish prey are found in individuals ranging from 70 mm to 75 mm. Bristlemouths do not have seasonal trends when it comes to their feeding habits. Bristlemouths are diel vertical migrators, therefore migrating closer to the surface waters in the nighttime in order to find more food. Out of the thirteen bristlemouth species, eight have been found near the surface therefore explaining their DVM behaviors. Bristlemouths are able to efficiently capture their prey due to their bioluminescent nature. Bioluminescence Bristlemouths are light emitting fish. Bristlemouths rely on their bioluminescence for different outcomes. Some rely on it to find prey while others use it to avoid predation. However, the most common way that their bioluminescence is used is to signal between fish in the same way people "dance or wear bright colors at the nightclub." References Extant Miocene first appearances Ray-finned fish families