Fanfin anglerfish
Caulophryne sp
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Fishes
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other anglerfishes (200 species)
- Diet
- Crustaceans, fishes
- Range
- Midwater (2,297–3,281 feet or 700–3,000 m)
- Size
- Up to 8 inches long (20 cm)
Meet the fanfin anglerfish
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.
Males vs. females
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.
Up next in deep sea
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Common fangtooth
When a fish or shrimp swims nearby, a fangtooth simply opens its big mouth and sucks the animal inside.
Keep exploring
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Giant siphonophore
When startled, the giant siphonophore glows with bright blue light.