Both of its species are nocturnal predators, hiding in caves and crevices during the day and emerging at night to feed.

[1] They are small fish, 11.0–12.0 cm (4.3–4.7 in) maximum length, and of little commercial value, although fishermen have been known to use their light organs as bait.

[2] Like other anomalopids, they are notable for the white organs containing bioluminescent bacteria underneath their eyes, which, by emitting a blue-green light, allow the fish to search for food, evade predators, and communicate with other fish.

Both species have black lids that slide up to cover the organ when the fish does not want to emit light.

[1] Although similar in appearance, they can be easily distinguished by the preopercle, which has a medium-sized white spot in P. palpebratum, whereas in P. steinitzi, it is much smaller and much darker, or not present at all.