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Angler fish (deep sea)
Suborder Ceratioidei
Subspecies
There are many subspecies.
Statistics
They can reach 1.2m (4ft) in length, but most are much smaller.
Physical Description
Angler fish are bizarre, inky black fishes, that live at extreme ocean depths. They are characterised by huge mouths and the presence of luminous organs, typically on the head or snout, that act as lures to draw prey to the vast mouth. The esca, or bulb at the end of the lure, is often very elaborate and varies in shape between species.
The light emitted is typically blue-green in colour and is produced by bacteria housed within the lure. Some species also have luminous organs on the body.
Distribution
They are widespread, living mid-water at depths of up to 4000m.
Habitat
Unlike their shallow-water relatives, deep-sea angler fish are typically mid-water fish that float or swim in the water column.
Diet
Their diet constsists typically of fish and invertebrates. Deep-sea anglers have large stomachs and may swallow prey larger than themselves.
Behaviour
Deep sea angler fish commonly float in the water column and use their moveable lure as bait to draw prey towards the mouth. The blue-green light of the lure acts to attract prey or potential mates in the darkness of the deep sea.
Reproduction
In some species, male angler fish are much smaller and bite on to the larger females, like parasites. The male's bloodstream fuses with the female's allowing the transfer of sperm from the male to the female. Several males may live co-joined to the same female and may be totally dependent on the female for nourishment. This strategy is probably an adaptation to the vast, dark, deep sea habitat, where finding mates may be difficult.
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