The luminous hake (Steindachneria argentea) is a West Atlantic member of the Merluccidae family.

[2] Luminous hake grow to a maximum of 30 cm (12 in) in total length.

They have big eyes on a large head and a tapering body that ends in a point since they have no caudal fin.

[1] Their luminosity comes from a characteristic striated light organ on the sides of the head and lower (ventral) half of the body.

[1][3] Luminous hake are common in deep water but can be found on the outer shelf and on soft muddy bottoms of the Western Atlantic, Florida, northern Gulf of Mexico through Central America to Venezuela.