Home
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Hours & Calendar Teachers Membership Donate Now Espanol
Visitor InfoAnimals & ActivitiesSave the OceansFun & Learning








Membership

Membership can save you money.
Learn more

Get Updates

Fanfin anglerfish

NOT ON EXHIBIT
Fanfin anglerfish (Photo © Bruce Robison)

At the Aquarium

Natural History

A fanfin anglerfish’s glowing lure attracts fishes and other deep sea animals. For some animals, an anglerfish’s light is a fatal attraction. For others, it signals a welcome feast. How does an anglerfish light its lure? It doesn’t, exactly— special light-producing bacteria live inside the lure.

We know the photo above is a female because this species has parasitic males that are much smaller than the female.

Conservation

The deep sea may seem remote, but what we send down will eventually cycle back up into our lives. Deep-sea animals are part of a thriving ecosystem. Our trash and chemicals may harm them if we are careless with our waste.

Cool Facts

Living in the dark, this deep sea anglerfish uses its long fin rays to sense movement in the water around it.
Back to Animal Guide Home
Search Animal Guide

Animal Facts

  • Scientific Name:
    Caulophryne sp
  • Habitat:
    Deep Sea
  • Animal Type:
    Fishes
  • Diet:
    crustaceans, fishes
  • Size:
    to 8 inches long (20 cm)
  • Range:
    midwater (2,297-3,281 feet, or 700-3,000 m)
  • Relatives:
    other anglerfishes (100 species)
Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation
© 1999-2010, Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 Tel: (831) 648-4800
Pressroom  |  Plan an Event  |  Jobs  |  Volunteer  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Site Map  |  Privacy  |  Terms




www.montereybayaquarium.org
886 Cannery Row | Monterey, California 93940
Open every day except Dec. 25
Regular hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Winter: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Summer/holidays: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Summer weekends: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
More information: (831) 648-4800