PREFACE 



This study of the lanternfishes (family Myctophidae) of the eastern Pacific Ocean is in- 

 tended to meet the need for one pubhcation in which the available information on their 

 taxonomy, distribution, variation, and natural history (the latter information is meager ) can 

 be found. It also provides keys to their identification. 



The study is admittedly a preliminary effort. It is also necessarily incomplete in regard to 

 some genera, notably Diaphus and Gymnoscopelus. Further collection in the far southern and 

 central Pacific and comparison with worldwide collections are needed before a definitive work 

 on these two genera is accomplished. Similarly, the short-pectoral-fin species group of the 

 genus Lampanyctus needs much more study in all oceans. 



It is hoped that flaws in the keys and data of this work will be remedied by subsequent 

 workers, and that the present effort will be perfected and expanded to include the entire Pacific 

 Ocean, and perhaps all oceans. 



This book was originally designated to be a technical report of the U.S. Naval Oceano- 

 graphic Office. Intensive work was begun in 1968, and a date in 1970 was set for publication . 

 This markedly later date of appearance is due to delays on my part and to the Oceanographic 

 Office's problems in preparing and scheduling the work for publication. 



Robert L. Wisner 



Specialist, Marine Biology (Retired) 

 Scripps Institution of Oceanography 

 May 1, 1974 



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