About Anglerfishes

Lophiiformes are the anglerfishes — goosefishes (Lophiidae), frogfishes, and deep-sea anglerfishes — famous for their bioluminescent lure.

Morphology. The first dorsal spine is modified into an illicium (a stalk) tipped with an esca (a lure), often bioluminescent in deep-sea forms, used to attract prey. Bodies are often globose and depressed; the mouth is large with formidable teeth.

Habitat & distribution. Mostly benthic on continental shelves (goosefish, frogfish) and the deep sea (ceratioids), where tiny males fuse permanently to females.

Human use. Monkfish/goosefish are valued food fishes; frogfishes are favourite subjects for underwater photographers.