Hypnos
Hypnos is a genus of deep-sea anglerfish belonging to the family Oneirodidae. These fish are characterized by their distinctive appearance, with bioluminescent lures that they use to attract prey in the dark depths of the ocean. There are currently three recognized species within the genus: Hypnos monopterygius, Hypnos meadii, and Hypnos hubbsi.
Common Names
Hypnos species are commonly known as "dreamers" due to their slow and passive nature. However, they are rarely encountered and their common names are not widely used.
Characteristics
Hypnos anglerfish are typically small, with most species measuring less than 20 centimeters in length. They possess a distinctive bioluminescent lure that is located on a long, thin stalk emanating from their head. This lure emits a bright light that attracts prey, which are then captured by the anglerfish's sharp teeth.
Hypnos species also have several other distinctive features, including:
- A flattened body
- Large, protuberant eyes
- A small mouth with sharp teeth
- A lack of scales
Environment
Hypnos anglerfish inhabit the deep waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, typically found at depths of over 1,000 meters. They are highly adapted to life in these extreme environments, with specialized features that enable them to survive in the absence of sunlight and with limited food availability.
References
More information about Hypnos can be found on these websites: