Lophius

Common Names

Lophius species are commonly known as anglerfish, goosefish, or monkfish. These names reflect the fish's unique appearance and predatory habits.

Characteristics

Lophius species exhibit a number of striking characteristics:

• Large, flattened head: This shape allows them to lie in wait on the seabed, camouflaged against the sand or gravel.
• Expandable mouth: Their mouths are equipped with sharp, backward-pointing teeth and can open incredibly wide, allowing them to engulf prey larger than their heads.
• Lure-like appendage (esca): This fleshy projection extends from the top of their head and is used to attract prey. The esca can be vibrated or pulsed to mimic the movements of a small fish or crustacean.
• Elongated, flexible bodies: Their bodies are elongated and flexible, allowing them to maneuver through tight spaces and ambush prey from unexpected angles.
• Dermal papillae: Many Lophius species have numerous skin appendages called dermal papillae that further enhance their camouflage by resembling seaweed or other marine life.

Environment

Lophius species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

• Continental shelves: They are typically found in shallow waters along continental shelves, where they can easily access the seabed.
• Rocky reefs: They often inhabit rocky reefs, where they can use their camouflage to blend in with the surrounding environment.
• Sandy bottoms: They can also be found on sandy bottoms, where they bury themselves partially in the sediment to ambush prey.

References

For more detailed information on Lophius, refer to the following sources:

• Wikipedia: Lophius
• FishBase: Lophius
• National Geographic: Anglerfish