These barbels extend anteriorly off the bottom jaw, and prey attracted to its bioluminescence include lanternfish and bristlemouths. It is proposed that the specificity of bioluminescent barbel structure to certain species allows for advantageous same-species recognition that promotes genetic isolation, in addition to allowing scientists to more easily identify distinct species due to anatomical barbel differences.
The distinctive feature of this creature's jaw is that its barbels project forward and emit light, attracting prey such as lanternfish and bristlemouths. It is suggested that the unique structure of bioluminescent barbels in certain species enables better recognition among members of the same species, which can lead to genetic separation, as well as making it easier for scientists to distinguish between different species based on their anatomical characteristics.