Anglerfish

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The anglerfish has a flattened body with a very broad head that accounts for much of its length. Its scaleless skin is soft and often covered with small outgrowths that help it blend into its surroundings.Its mouth is enormous and armed with thin, backward-curving teeth that prevent prey from escaping. The eyes are on top of the head, allowing it to monitor its surroundings while remaining motionless on the seabed.It has a filament above its mouth, resembling a fishing rod, ending in a fleshy lure used to attract prey.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The anglerfish rests on the seabed, mainly on sandy, muddy or gravelly substrates where it can camouflage itself.It occurs from coastal areas to great depths, sometimes beyond several hundred metres.Young individuals often inhabit shallower waters, while adults generally live deeper down.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is an ambush predator. Motionless on the seabed, it waves its lure to attract prey.It feeds mainly on fish, but also on crustaceans and cephalopods.When prey comes close, it suddenly opens its mouth and sucks it in within a fraction of a second.