JAW-DROPPING REALITIES ABOUT 'ANGLER FISH'

FIRSTLY IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE ANGLERFISH WHICH ARE:

• Scientific Name: Lophiidae
• Family: Deep-sea fish
• Habitat: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans (depths of 200-4,000 meters)
• Length: Up to 1 meter (3.3 feet)
• Weight: Up to 45 kg (99 lbs)

Unique Features

1. Illicium (Lure): Fleshy growth on head, used as bait to attract prey.
2. Bioluminescence: Ability to produce light to communicate, attract prey, or evade predators.
3. Large Teeth: Powerful jaws and sharp teeth for catching and eating prey.
4. Camouflage: Mottled, brown coloration for blending with surroundings.
5. Female-dominated: Females are larger, and males are much smaller.

Behavior

1. Ambush Predators: Use lure to attract prey, then strike quickly.
2. Deep-sea Dwellers: Found near hydrothermal vents, seamounts, and ocean ridges.
3. Nocturnal: Active at night, resting during the day.
4. Solitary Animals: Rarely found in groups.

Reproduction

1. Female/Male Size Difference: Females grow much larger than males.
2. Male Attachment: Males attach to female's belly, eventually fusing with her skin.
3. Egg Production: Females produce large numbers of eggs.

Conservation Status

• Vulnerable (some species)
• Threats: Deep-sea fishing, habitat destruction, climate change

Interesting Facts

1. Angler fish have been around for 100 million years.
2. Their lure is covered in bioluminescent bacteria.
3. Some species have a unique, finger-like appendage.

Types of Angler Fish

1. Common Angler (Lophius piscatorius)
2. Deep-sea Angler (Ceratiidae)
3. Gulper Angler (Eurypharynx pelecanoides)
4. Frogfish Angler (Antennarius striatus)
   https://images.app.goo.gl/AJq8BPeoc42XDjJn9
   https://images.app.goo.gl/r7hbryxpT8nZQ5ASA
   https://images.app.goo.gl/f3D3oPog3VvNjF3J6