Angler Fish - Lophius piscatorius
(Photo credit - Kat Sanders)
What is it? A bottom dwelling fish, superbly camouflaged to blend in with its environment. The body is flattened and has an enormous head. The mottled colour and fringed skin help break up the outline and make it very difficult to spot. This species is also commonly known as Monkfish.
How big is it? Angler fish can grow to over 2m in length!
What does it eat? Angler fish have an extendable stomach, so can eat prey the same size as themselves! It lures unsuspecting prey using a spiny ray on its dorsal fin, that acts much like a fishing lure. Fish are attracted dangerously close to the mouth, before being swallowed. Inward pointing teeth help stop prey escaping. The angler fish will eat most bottom living fish, including conger eels, and have even been known to eat seabirds!
Where do they live? Angler fish live from 2m to 500m depth on a variety of different types of seafloor.
How can I find them? Because of their camouflage, angler fish are very hard to spot. They are sometimes encountered by divers but you have to look quite hard to spot one!
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