Pelagic circumantarctic species dominant in the surface waters of the Austral Oceans; considered mesopelagic in the Kerguelen Islands. Found commonly between the continental antarctic shelf and the Polar antarctic front. Further north, the species can also be found in subantarctic waters. Temperature tolerance limit of 3°C (Ref.). Rare on shelf waters and at depths deeper than 500 m. Species among the genus Electrona which is characterized by major diurnal migrations off Kerguelen Is., daytime at 300-500 m, night at 0-100 m with a maximum abundance at 50 m. The most abundant species of the myctophids in the Kerguelen Is and the most regularly caught in the Polar Front but also very abundant in the Austral oceans. Of no economic importance at the moment but its abundant biomass makes it a future potential bait or trashfish. Also Ref. 33047, 58711. [CREF. 44963].