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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > FISH
Lophiiformes
Known as Lophiiformes, there are over 200 species of anglerfish. These bony fish can grow up to 3 feet in length (.91 m) and have large heads and gaping mouths filled with curved, translucent teeth. They are probably one of the best known of the deep-sea fish due to their striking appearance and strange adaptations to a cold and lightless environment with few available food sources.
Their best known physical feature is a dorsal spine which hangs over their mouths and is tipped with a bioluminescent “lure” to attract in prey. Curiously, only the females have this adaptation as male anglerfish are completely parasitic, attaching themselves to the female’s body with their teeth and eventually being absorbed into it. A female anglerfish can carry as many as six males on/inside her body over the course of her life.
Like many deep-sea predators, the anglerfish is highly opportunistic. Even much larger animals present an opportunity for a meal, as the anglerfish’s elastic body can expand to twice its size when it ingests a meal. Common prey animals are finned fish and crustaceans.
Anglerfish is considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia but otherwise there is no large-scale fisheries for this species.
Range and Habitat
Anglerfish are found as much as a mile (1.6 km) below the surface in both the Atlantic and Antarctic oceans. There are a handful of species who live in shallower depths and warmer waters.
Conservation Status
Common.
Lophiiformes
Known as Lophiiformes, there are over 200 species of anglerfish. These bony fish can grow up to 3 feet in length (.91 m) and have large heads and gaping mouths filled with curved, translucent teeth. They are probably one of the best known of the deep-sea fish due to their striking appearance and strange adaptations to a cold and lightless environment with few available food sources.
Their best known physical feature is a dorsal spine which hangs over their mouths and is tipped with a bioluminescent “lure” to attract in prey. Curiously, only the females have this adaptation as male anglerfish are completely parasitic, attaching themselves to the female’s body with their teeth and eventually being absorbed into it. A female anglerfish can carry as many as six males on/inside her body over the course of her life.
Like many deep-sea predators, the anglerfish is highly opportunistic. Even much larger animals present an opportunity for a meal, as the anglerfish’s elastic body can expand to twice its size when it ingests a meal. Common prey animals are finned fish and crustaceans.
Anglerfish is considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia but otherwise there is no large-scale fisheries for this species.
Range and Habitat
Anglerfish are found as much as a mile (1.6 km) below the surface in both the Atlantic and Antarctic oceans. There are a handful of species who live in shallower depths and warmer waters.
Conservation Status
Common.
