本属は13種を含み,その内の5種が大西洋熱帯水域から知られている。本種に近縁なMyctophum affine(Lütken)は主鰓蓋骨の背縁後部が丸いこと,鱗が弱い櫛鱗であることにより区別できる。*印はHulley (1981) とNatpaktitis et al. (1977) より引用。(藤井)
Distinctive characters:
(Genus):Base of anal fin longer than that of dorsal fin. Two Prc. PLO above level of upper end of base of pectoral fin. One Pol. Four VO on a horizontal line. SAO1 posterior to VO3. Gill rakers well developed. (Species):SAO in a straight line. Posterodorsal margin of opercle angulated, but weakly serrated in adult. Scales cycloid. Pectoral fin rays 12〜14*. Gill rakers 4〜6+1+11〜15, total 17〜22*. AO photophores 7〜10+4〜7, total 12〜15*.
Distribution:
Temperate and tropical waters of Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. Type locality-northeast of Hawaii.
Remarks:
The genus includes 13 species, 5 of which are known from the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. * Reference data from Hulley (1981) and Nafpaktitis et al. (1977). (Fujii)