# Anglerfish

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Bony fish with a natural lure

This article is about the smaller group of anglerfish including shallow water forms. For deep-sea anglerfish with a luminescent lure, see [deep-sea anglerfish](/source/Deep-sea_anglerfish).

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: Merge/Expand redundant sections, expand with content pertinent to the scope of the section. Try using material that pertains to all anglerfish, not just the deep sea forms. Please help improve this article if you can. (March 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Anglerfish Temporal range: Early Eocene–present PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N Probable Cretaceous origin Type species of 4 lophiiform suborders[a] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Clade: Percomorpha Order: Lophiiformes Sedgwick et. al., 1905[1] Type species Lophius piscatorius Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Pediculati Müller, 1839 (pro parte)

The **anglerfish** are [ray-finned fish](/source/Ray-finned_fish) in the order **Lophiiformes** ([/ˌlɒfiɪˈfɔːrmiːz/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English)).[2] Both the order's [common](/source/Common_name) and [scientific name](/source/Scientific_name) comes from the characteristic mode of [predation](/source/Predation), in which a modified dorsal [fin ray](/source/Fish_fin#Ray-fins) acts as a [lure](/source/Aggressive_mimicry#Food_as_an_attractant) for prey (akin to a human [angler](/source/Angling), and likened to a crest or "*[lophos](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Lophius)*"). The modified fin ray, with the very tip being the **[esca](/source/Esca_(fish_anatomy))** and the length of the structure the **[illicium](/source/Illicium_(fish_anatomy))**, is adapted to attract specific prey items across the families of anglerfish by using different luring methods.

Anglerfish occur worldwide. The majority are bottom-dwellers, being [demersal fish](/source/Demersal_fish), while the aberrant [deep-sea anglerfish](/source/Deep-sea_anglerfish) are [pelagic](/source/Pelagic_fish), (mostly) living high in the [water column](/source/Water_column). Some live in the [deep sea](/source/Deep-sea_fish) (such as the deep-sea anglerfish and [sea toads](/source/Sea_toad)), while others live in [shallower waters](/source/Shallow_water_marine_environment), such as the [frogfishes](/source/Antennariidae) and some [batfishes](/source/Ogcocephalidae).

Anglerfish are notable for their [sexual dimorphism](/source/Sexual_dimorphism), which is sometimes extremely pronounced; the females may be several [orders of magnitude](/source/Orders_of_magnitude) larger in [mass](/source/Mass) than males. This dimorphism has enabled a unique reproductive method in the deep-sea anglerfish; [sexual parasitism](/source/Ceratioidei#Reproduction) is the attachment of male to the much larger female, sometimes fusing together as an example of [natural parabiosis](/source/Parabiosis#Natural_parabiosis).

Anglerfish are of some commercial value, with some species being of interest to [aquaria](/source/Aquarium). However, the [lophiid anglerfish](/source/Lophiid) (marketed as monkfish, goosefish, or simply angler) are much more valued for their [meat](/source/Meat), which is considered a [delicacy](/source/Delicacy) throughout their range.

## Taxonomy

Pediculati [plate](/source/Lithography), *[Le Règne Animal](/source/Le_R%C3%A8gne_Animal)*. [Toadfish (Batrachoididae)](/source/Batrachoididae) such as *[Batrachoides surinamensis](/source/Batrachoides_surinamensis)* (middle) are no longer considered close to anglerfish

Anglerfish were first grouped in the family of [Acanthopterygians](/source/Acanthopterygians) with "[pediculate](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pediculate) pectoral [fin]s" (*pectorales pédiculėes*) by [Cuvier](/source/Cuvier) in the 1829 edition of [Le Règne Animal](/source/Le_R%C3%A8gne_Animal);[3] being characterized by possessing "a sort of arm supporting their pectorals, formed by an elongated carpal bone". Cuvier placed the genera *[Lophius](/source/Lophius)* (incl. *[Lophius piscatorius](/source/Lophius_piscatorius)*), *Chironectes*/*[Antennarius](/source/Antennarius)* (incl. various subspecies of *[Lophius histrio](/source/Histrio_histrio)*), *[Malthe](/source/Ogcocephalus)* (incl. *[Lophius vespertilio](/source/Ogcocephalus_vespertilio)*), and *[Batrachus](/source/Batrachus_(fish))* within this family.[3] Translations of this work into English and Latin renderred the family name as "Pectorales Pediculati";[4][5] which was eventually truncated into **Pediculati** or **Pediculata** ([pediculate](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pediculate) fish),[b] these names being used to classify anglerfish through 1926.[c] Though this term saw use in publications as late as the [1970s](/source/1970s),[11] Pediculati has fallen out of use.[19]

The group **Lophidia** was conceived by [Samuel Garman](/source/Samuel_Garman) in 1899;[20] this group was subdivided into the Lophioids (incl. *Lophius*, *[Lophiomus](/source/Lophiomus)*, *[Melanocetus](/source/Melanocetus)*, *[Dolopichthys](/source/Dolopichthys)*, *[Chaunax](/source/Chaunax)*, and *[Chaunacops](/source/Chaunacops)*) and the Halieutoids (incl. *Oncocephalus*, *[Halieutaea](/source/Halieutaea)*, *[Halieutella](/source/Halieutichthys)*, *[Halieutichthys](/source/Halieutichthys)*, *[Halieutopsis](/source/Halieutopsis)*, *[Halicmetus](/source/Halicmetus)*, *[Dibranchus](/source/Dibranchus)*, *[Dibranchichthys](/source/Dibranchus)*, and *[Malthopsis](/source/Malthopsis)*) based on the orientation of the ilicium's base.[20] By 1905, Lophiiformes came into use, at that time being a suborder of Pediculati.[1]

### Classification

The following classification is based on *[Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes](/source/Eschmeyer's_Catalog_of_Fishes)* (2025):[21]

- Suborder [Lophioidei](/source/Lophioidei) [Regan](/source/Charles_Tate_Regan), 1912 - Family [Lophiidae](/source/Lophiidae) [Rafinesque](/source/Constantine_Samuel_Rafinesque), 1810 (monkfishes and goosefishes)

- Suborder [Ogcocephaloidei](/source/Ogcocephaloidei) Pietsch, 1984 - Family [Ogcocephalidae](/source/Ogcocephalidae) [Gill](/source/Theodore_Gill), 1893 (batfishes)

- Suborder [Antennarioidei](/source/Antennarioidei) Regan, 1912 - Family [Antennariidae](/source/Antennariidae) [Jarocki](/source/Feliks_Pawe%C5%82_Jarocki), 1822 (frogfishes) - Subfamily [Fowlerichthyinae](/source/Fowlerichthyinae) Maile, Smith & Davis, 2025 (fanfin frogfishes) - Subfamily [Antennariinae](/source/Antennariinae) Jarocki, 1822 (Fibonacci frogfishes) - Subfamily [Lophichthyinae](/source/Lophichthyinae) Boeseman, 1964 (lophichthyin frogfishes) - Subfamily [Tathicarpinae](/source/Tathicarpinae) Hart, Arnold, Alda, Kenaley, Pietsch, Hutchinson & [Chakrabarty](/source/Prosanta_Chakrabarty), 2022 (longfin frogfishes) - Subfamily [Tetrabrachiinae](/source/Tetrabrachiinae) Regan, 1912 (tetrabrachiid frogfishes) - Subfamily [Histiophryninae](/source/Histiophryninae) Arnold & Pietsch, 2012 (starfingered frogfishes) - Subfamily [Rhycherinae](/source/Rhycherinae) Hart, Arnold, Alda, Kenaley, Pietsch, Hutchinson & Chakrabarty, 2022 (Balrog frogfishes) - Subfamily [Brachionichthyinae](/source/Brachionichthyinae) Gill, 1863 (handfishes)

- Suborder [Chaunacoidei](/source/Chaunacoidei) [Pietsch](/source/Theodore_Wells_Pietsch_III) & [Grobecker](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_B._Grobecker&action=edit&redlink=1), 1987 - Family [Chaunacidae](/source/Chaunacidae) Gill, 1863 (gapers or sea toads)

- Suborder [Ceratioidei](/source/Ceratioidei) Regan, 1912 - Family [Caulophrynidae](/source/Caulophrynidae) [Goode](/source/George_Brown_Goode) & [Bean](/source/Tarleton_Hoffman_Bean), 1896 (fanfins) - Family [Neoceratiidae](/source/Neoceratiidae) Regan, 1926 (spiny seadevils) - Family [Melanocetidae](/source/Melanocetidae) Gill, 1878 (black seadevils) - Family [Himantolophidae](/source/Himantolophidae) Gill, 1861 (footballfishes) - Family [Diceratiidae](/source/Diceratiidae) Regan & [Trewavas](/source/Ethelwynn_Trewavas), 1932 (double anglers) - Family [Oneirodidae](/source/Oneirodidae) Gill, 1878 (dreamers) - Family [Thaumatichthyidae](/source/Thaumatichthyidae) [Smith](/source/Hugh_McCormick_Smith) & [Radcliffe](/source/Lewis_Radcliffe), 1912 (wolftrap anglers) - Family [Centrophrynidae](/source/Centrophrynidae) [Bertelsen](/source/Erik_Bertelsen), 1951 (prickly seadevils) - Family [Ceratiidae](/source/Ceratiidae) Gill, 1861 (warty seadevils) - Family [Gigantactinidae](/source/Gigantactinidae) [Boulenger](/source/George_Albert_Boulenger), 1904 (whipnose anglers) - Family [Linophrynidae](/source/Linophrynidae) Regan, 1925 (leftvents)

Alternatively, Lophiiformes may be treated as [clade](/source/Clade) within [Acanthuriformes](/source/Acanthuriformes); a 2025 paper defines Lophioidei as equivalent to the prior conception of Lophiiformes (the one depicted above) and converts the suborders into infraorders (as seen below).[22] Below are two [cladograms](/source/Cladogram); the left one is based on a [phylogeny](/source/Phylogeny) which elaborates on the relationships of the suborders within Lophiiformes as set out in Pietsch and Grobecker's 1987 *Frogfishes of the World: Systematics, Zoogeography, and Behavioral Ecology*,[23] while the right is based on Maile *[et al](/source/Et_al)*'s 2025 phylogenetic study which combines the analysis of [Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCE)s](/source/Ultraconserved_element), [mitochondrial DNA](/source/Mitochondrial_DNA), and [morphological](/source/Morphology_(biology)) evidence;[22]

Lophiiformes Lophioidei Antennarioidei Chaunacoidei Ogcocephaloidei Ceratioidei Acanthuriformes Antigoniidae Tetraodontoidei Lophioidei Lophioideo Antennarioideo Ogcocephaloideo Chaunacoideo Ceratioideo (sensu Maile et al)

[Phylogenetic](/source/Phylogenetics) studies have consistently recovered the [Lophiiformes](/source/Lophiiformes) as sister-group to the [Tetraodontiformes](/source/Tetraodontiformes),[22] with both within the larger clade Acanthuriformes as of 2025.[24] The Lophiiformes and Tetraodontiformes are united by several [derived morphological features](/source/Apomorphy_and_synapomorphy) separating them from other Acanthuriformes, including restricted [gill openings](/source/Fish_gill), along with the absence of multiple skeletal elements, some examples are spines supporting the anal fin, [ribs](/source/Rib), [nasals](/source/Nasal_bone), and [basisphenoid](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/basisphenoid).[22]

## Evolution

The earliest fossils of anglerfish are from the [Eocene](/source/Eocene), excavated from the [Monte Bolca](/source/Monte_Bolca) [formation](/source/Geological_formation) of [Italy](/source/Italy), and these already show evidence of diversification into the modern families that make up the order.[25] Given this, and their close relationship to the Tetraodontiformes which are known from [Cretaceous](/source/Cretaceous) fossils, they likely originated during the Cretaceous.[26][27]

A 2010 [mitochondrial genome](/source/Mitochondrial_DNA) phylogenetic study suggested the anglerfishes [diversified in a short period](/source/Adaptive_radiation) during the early to mid-Cretaceous, between 130 and 100 million years ago.[23] A 2023 [preprint](/source/Preprint) reduces this time to the [Late Cretaceous](/source/Late_Cretaceous), between 92 and 61 million years ago.[27] Other studies indicate that anglerfish only originated shortly after the [Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event](/source/Cretaceous%E2%80%93Paleogene_extinction_event) as part of a massive adaptive radiation of [percomorphs](/source/Percomorpha), although this clashes with the extensive diversity already known from the group by the Eocene.[27][28] A 2024 study found that all anglerfish suborders most likely diverged from one another during the [Late Cretaceous](/source/Late_Cretaceous) and [Paleocene](/source/Paleocene), but the multiple families of deep-sea anglerfishes ([Ceratioidei](/source/Ceratioidei)), as well as their trademark [sexual parasitism](/source/Sexual_parasitism), originated during the Eocene in a rapid radiation following the [Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum](/source/Paleocene%E2%80%93Eocene_Thermal_Maximum).[29] Adaptations to different ranges of [depths](/source/Ocean_depths) may have driven the evolution of anglerfish species and families in prehistory.[22]

Anglerfish appear in the [fossil record](/source/Fossil_record) as follows:[30][31][32][33]

## Anatomy

The sargassumfish (*[Histrio histrio](/source/Histrio_histrio)*, up to 20 cm (7.9 in) [TL](/source/Total_length)) is a frogfish well-adapted to live among [sargassum](/source/Sargassum)

Anglerfish are [defined](/source/Autapomorphy) by gills that open behind the pectoral fins (as opposed to other fish whose pectorals lay behind the gill opening), depressible teeth that can hinge back, joints of the epiotic bone, the form of the pectoral fin radials, and the luring apparatus (see subsection).[34][22]

Anglerfish lengths can vary from 2–18 cm (1–7 in), with a few species larger than 100 cm (39 in).[35] The largest members are the European monkfish *[Lophius piscatorius](/source/Lophius_piscatorius)* (200 cm (6.6 ft) [SL](/source/Standard_Length), 57.7 kilograms (127 lb)), the deep-sea warty anglerfish *[Ceratias holboelli](/source/Ceratias_holboelli)* (120 cm (3.9 ft) [TL](/source/Total_length)), the giant frogfish *[Antennarius commerson](/source/Antennarius_commerson)* (45 cm (1.48 ft) TL), and the giant triangular batfish *[Malthopsis gigas](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Malthopsis_gigas&action=edit&redlink=1)* (13.6 cm (0.45 ft)).[36][37][38][39]

Many suborders are [sexually dimorphic](/source/Sexually_dimorphic), with the deep-sea anglerfish being the most extreme example; male *C. holboelli* can reach up to 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long (SL), while females are commonly around 77 centimetres (2.53 ft) TL,[37] potentially weighing an [order of magnitude](/source/Order_of_magnitude) more than her mate.[40][41] Male *[Photocorynus spiniceps](/source/Photocorynus_spiniceps)* were measured to be 6.2–7.3 mm (0.24–0.29 in) at maturity, and were at one time claimed to be the [smallest vertebrate known](/source/Smallest_organisms). However, due to not being free-living (being parasitic males) and the females being 50.5 mm (1.99 in), they are now often excluded from the records.[42][43][44][45] Sexual dimorphism is not as pronounced in other suborders; the Lophiid monkfish genus *[Lophiodes](/source/Lophiodes)* are quite similar in size between the genders ([Mean](/source/Mean) for Males 113–133 millimetres (4.4–5.2 in) SL; Females 131–171 millimetres (5.2–6.7 in) SL),[46] and the same is true for *Lophius* itself (Males 68.50–129.50 centimetres (2.247–4.249 ft); Females 93.50–166.60 centimetres (3.068–5.466 ft)).[47]

Anglerfish are generally [ambush predators](/source/Ambush_predator), with shallow-water species such as frogfish often [camouflaging](/source/Camouflage) as rocks, [sponges](/source/Sponge) or [seaweed](/source/Seaweed).[48] To blend in with the featureless dark depths they inhabit, deep-sea anglerfish are dark colored, with tints ranging from grey to brown.[35][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

In most species, a wide mouth extends all around the anterior (front) circumference of the head, and bands of inwardly inclined teeth line both jaws. The teeth can be depressed (swept back) so as to offer no impediment to prey gliding towards the stomach, but to still prevent its escape.[49][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*] Anglerfish are able to distend both their jaw and stomach to enormous size, since their bones are thin and flexible, which allows them to swallow prey up to twice as large as their entire bodies.[35][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

### Esca and illicium

This section needs expansion with: these references on illicial muscles: [50][51][52]. You can help by adding missing information. (May 2025)

[Striated frogfish](/source/Striated_frogfish) (*Antennarius striatus*), displaying the worm-like esca at the top left

All anglerfish are [carnivorous](/source/Carnivorous) and are thus adapted for the capture of prey.[35] A character shared by all anglerfish suborders is the presence of a ["lure" or "bait"](/source/Bait_(luring_substance)), unambiguously referred to as the *esca*. The esca is the tip of a [fin ray](/source/Fin_ray), modified from the [anterior](/source/Anterior) (foremost) [dorsal fin](/source/Dorsal_fin); this fin-ray is often referred to as the "[fishing rod](/source/Fishing_rod)" or "[fishing line](/source/Fishing_line)", and is scientifically termed the *illicium*. The entire illicial apparatus consists of the illicial [pterygiophore](/source/Pterygiophore) (the "base" of the structure), followed by a second short dorsal spine, and tipped with the bone of the illicium which ends with the esca proper; this appendage may slot into a groove that accommodates part or all of the illicial apparatus.[50]: 33–40 Both the esca and illicium are used [in tandem](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/in_tandem) to lure prey.[d] The illicium's length is highly variable across species, from not being visible at all in some species, to around 4.9 times SL (over 4 times the length of the rest of the body) in *Gigantactis macronema* (body length 354 mm (13.9 in)).[50]: 469[55]

The illicial apparatus is most notable in the deep-sea anglerfish (Ceratioidei) as their esca contain [bioluminescent bacteria](/source/Bioluminescent_bacteria), making them glow in the dark waters of the deeper pelagic zones.[56][57][58][54] In other species the esca possesses different luring mechanisms, such as emitting [odoriferous](/source/Odoriferous) chemicals that attract olfactory-driven prey (batfish, Ogcocephaloidei; possibly sea toads, Chaunacioidei), or by resembling prey attractive to small fish such as [shrimp](/source/Shrimp) or [worms](/source/Marine_worm) (frogfish, Antennarioidei). When the prey is close enough, the anglerfish catches it using [suction feeding](/source/Suction_feeding), elongated sharp teeth, or both.[34][59][50]: 263 While sometimes reported to possess a bioluminescent esca, sea toads lack bioluminescent bacteria and do not actually possess this feature.[59][60]

In at least the [triplewart seadevil](/source/Triplewart_seadevil), the illicium is moved back and forth by five distinct pairs of muscles: namely the shorter erector and depressor muscles that dictate movement of the illicial bone, along with inclinator, protractor, and retractor muscles that aid motion of the [pterygiophore](/source/Dorsal_fin).[61]

## Behavior

### Predation

This section needs expansion with: Merging may be preferable, but let's see if anyone can save it. You can help by adding missing information. (May 2025)

Skeleton of the anglerfish *[Lophius piscatorius](/source/Lophius_piscatorius)*: The first spine of the dorsal fin of the anglerfish acts like a fishing rod with a lure.

The name "anglerfish" derives from the species' characteristic method of predation. Anglerfish typically have at least one long filament sprouting from the middle of their heads, termed the illicium. The illicium is the detached and modified first three spines of the anterior dorsal fin. In most anglerfish species, the longest filament is the first. This first spine protrudes above the fish's eyes and terminates in an irregular growth of flesh (the esca), and can move in all directions. Anglerfish can wiggle the esca to make it [resemble a prey animal](/source/Aggressive_mimicry), which lures the anglerfish's prey close enough for the anglerfish to devour them whole.[62] Some deep-sea anglerfish of the [bathypelagic zone](/source/Bathyal_zone) also emit light from their [esca](/source/Fin_ray) to attract prey.[63]

Because anglerfish are opportunistic foragers, they show a range of preferred prey with fish at the extremes of the size spectrum, whilst showing increased selectivity for certain prey. One study examining the stomach contents of threadfin anglerfish (*[Lophiodes spilurus](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lophiodes_spilurus&action=edit&redlink=1)*) off the Pacific coast of Central America found these fish primarily ate two categories of [benthic](/source/Benthic_zone) prey: [crustaceans](/source/Crustaceans) and [teleost](/source/Teleostei) fish. The most frequent prey were [pandalid shrimp](/source/Pandalidae). 52% of the stomachs examined were empty, supporting the observations that anglerfish are low energy consumers.[64] [65]

### Movement and energy conservation

[Red-lipped batfish](/source/Red-lipped_batfish) "standing" on the [benthos](/source/Benthos)

All anglerfish are weak swimmers, including the pelagic deep-sea anglerfish. Demersal species often "[walk](/source/Walking_fish)" on the bottom upon their pectoral and pelvic fins. The pelvic fins were lost in the deep-sea anglers.[22][54]

The deep-sea anglers often drift without actively swimming; *[In situ](/source/In_situ)* observation of female *[Oneirodes](/source/Oneirodes)* and [whipnose anglerfish](/source/Whipnose_angler) (from [ROVs](/source/Remotely_operated_underwater_vehicle)) recorded that they often passively float in place or in a [current](/source/Subsurface_ocean_current), but they were sometimes observed to attempt to flee from the ROV, beating its pectoral fins in-phase while undulating its tail fin. The lethargic behavior of these ambush predators is suited to the energy-poor environment of the deep sea.[66][67]

The jaw and stomach of the anglerfish can extend to allow it to consume prey up to twice its size. Because of the limited amount of food available in the anglerfish's environment, this adaptation allows the anglerfish to store food when there is an abundance.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The sea toad *[Chaunax endeavouri](/source/Chaunax_endeavouri)* has been observed to retain water in its gills for at least around 26 seconds and up to 4 minutes in some cases. This behavior is thought to be an energy-saving measure as [respiration](/source/Respiration_(physiology)) requires energy, thus the fish "holding its breath" may conserve enough energy for such a behavior to be beneficial.[68]

### Reproduction

This section needs expansion with: information on frogfish and batfish[69] spawning. You can help by adding missing information. (May 2025)

[Linophrynidae](/source/Linophrynidae): *[Haplophryne mollis](/source/Haplophryne_mollis)* female anglerfish with males attached

The [deep-sea anglerfish](/source/Deep-sea_anglerfish) employ an unusual mating method: because individuals are locally rare, encounters between two of the same species are also very rare, and finding a mate can be problematic; this has led to the development of [sexual parasitism](/source/Sexual_parasitism) in anglerfish, where the males latch onto their mates using their mouths, which may not be suitable or effective for prey capture.[70][41] When scientists first started capturing ceratioid anglerfish, they noticed that all of the specimens were female, and on some of these they had what appeared to be [parasites](/source/Parasitism) attached to them, which turned out to be highly dimorphic male ceratioids. This is one of the few instances of [naturally occurring parabiosis](/source/Parabiosis#Natural_examples).[40] In some species of anglerfish, fusion between male and female when reproducing is possible due to the lack of immune system keys that allow antibodies to mature and create receptors for T-cells.[71]

Further information: [Ceratioidei § Sexual parasitism](/source/Ceratioidei#Sexual_parasitism)

The spawn of all anglerfish are enveloped by a [gelatinous](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gelatinous) sheath, which has multiple terms referring to it.[22] The spawn of the *[Lophius](/source/Lophius)* anglerfish consists of a thin sheet of transparent gelatinous material 25 cm (10 in) wide and may be longer than 10 m (33 ft); this "egg mass" may contain over a million eggs.[72][47] The eggs in this sheet are in a single layer, each in its own cavity. The [larvae are pelagic](/source/Ichthyoplankton) and have the pelvic fins elongated into filaments. It is thought that these egg masses effectively disperse their young over great distances and a large area.[47][49] A 77 millimetres (3.0 in) female *[Linophryne arborifera](/source/Linophryne_arborifera)*, with a 15 millimetres (0.59 in) parasitic male, was observed to have numerous eggs embedded in a gelatinous mass (the "egg raft" or "veil") protruding from the genital opening; the eggs, 0.6–0.8mm in diameter, are among the largest known for any ceratioid.[73][40]

## Relation to humans

### Classical interpretation

In the [History of Animals](/source/History_of_Animals), [Aristotle](/source/Aristotle) described the "Fishing-Frog" (one of the local *Lophius* species, like *[L. piscatorius](/source/Lophius_piscatorius)* or *[L. budegassa](/source/Lophius_budegassa)*) as an example of a marine species well adapted to their environment, those equipped with "ingenious devices" that it uses to capture prey, alongside the [Torpedo](/source/Electric_ray). He noted that fishing-frogs that have lost their lure appeared to be thinner than those still intact.[74][75][22]

### As food

Lophiid dishes from Japan (*[ankimo](/source/Ankimo)*) and Denmark

Lophiidae, marketed as monkfish or goosefish, are of commercial interest with fisheries found in western Europe, eastern North America, Africa, and East Asia. In Europe and North America, the tail meat of fish of the genus *[Lophius](/source/Lophius)*, known as monkfish or goosefish (North America), is widely used in cooking, and is often compared to [lobster](/source/Lobster) tail in taste and texture.

In Africa, the countries of Namibia and the Republic of South Africa record the highest catches.[47] In Asia, especially Japan, monkfish liver, known as *[ankimo](/source/Ankimo)*, is considered a delicacy.[76] Anglerfish is especially heavily consumed in South Korea, where it is featured as the main ingredient in dishes such as *[Agujjim](/source/Agujjim)*.

Northwest European *Lophius* species are heavily fished and are listed by the [ICES](/source/International_Conference_on_Environmental_Systems) as "outside safe biological limits".[77] In 2010, [Greenpeace](/source/Greenpeace) International added the American angler (*[Lophius americanus](/source/Lophius_americanus)*), the angler (*[Lophius piscatorius](/source/Lophius_piscatorius)*), and the black-bellied angler (*[Lophius budegassa](/source/Lophius_budegassa)*) to its seafood red list—a list of fish commonly sold worldwide with a high likelihood of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries.[78][50] Additionally, anglerfish are known to occasionally rise to the surface during [El Niño](/source/El_Ni%C3%B1o), leaving large groups of dead anglerfish floating on the surface.[77][*[relevant?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_better_articles#Stay_on_topic)*]

### Captivity

*A. biocellatus* in [aquascape](/source/Aquascape)

Various species of anglerfish are kept in captivity, such as frogfish and batfish,[79][69] though these are all species that inhabit shallow waters; deep-sea anglerfish have not been kept in captivity due to the challenges of keeping them alive through capture, transport, and a display that can [repressurize](/source/Water_pressure) them.[80][81][82]

*[Antennarius biocellatus](/source/Antennarius_biocellatus)* is known by the common names brackish-water frogfish or freshwater frogfish; being [euryhaline](/source/Euryhaline), it can live in freshwater for some time,[83][84] sometimes claimed to be the sole representative of the anglerfish to live in freshwater.[85] Like many frogfish, it has been displayed in [public aquaria](/source/Public_aquarium),[86][87] though unlike the other species *A. biocellatus* are sometimes kept in home aquaria by private [aquarists](/source/Aquarist).[88]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Header_2-0)** These being *[Ogcocephalus vespertilio](/source/Ogcocephalus_vespertilio)*, *[Ceratias holboelli](/source/Ceratias_holboelli)*, *[Lophius piscatorius](/source/Lophius_piscatorius)*, and *[Chaunax pictus](/source/Chaunax_pictus)*. The type species of the genus *[Antennarius](/source/Antennarius)* needs clarification

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ped1_13-0)** [6][7][8][9][10][11]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ped2_21-0)** [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-67)** [Piper, Ross](/source/Ross_Piper) (2007). *Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals*, [Greenwood Press](/source/Greenwood_Press_(publisher)).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-75)** [Deep-sea anglerfishes have evolved a new type of immune system](https://www.washington.edu/news/2020/07/30/deep-sea-anglerfishes-have-evolved-a-new-type-of-immune-system/)

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Clover2004_81-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Clover2004_81-1) Clover, Charles (2004). *The End of the Line: How overfishing is changing the world and what we eat*. London: Ebury Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-09-189780-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-09-189780-2).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-83)** ["Frogfish Antennariidae Lophiiformes"](https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/frogfish). *aquariumofpacific.org*. Aquarium of the Pacific. Retrieved 15 May 2025.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-iucn_bioc_87-0)** Leander, N.J.S.; Torres, A.G.; Capuli, E. (2022). ["*Antennarius biocellatus*"](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/196304/2443685). *[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](/source/IUCN_Red_List)*. **2022** e.T196304A2443685. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T196304A2443685.en](https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T196304A2443685.en). Retrieved 27 March 2024.

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## Further reading

- Anderson, M. Eric, and Leslie, Robin W. 2001. [Review of the deep-sea anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) of southern Africa.](http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019903) Ichthyological Bulletin of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 70. J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Rhodes University

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Lophioidei](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Lophioidei).

External videos Weird Killer of the Deep – YouTube The anglerfish: The original approach to deep-sea fishing – YouTube 3D scans reveal deep-sea anglerfish's huge final meal – YouTube

- [Tree of Life web project: Lophiiformes](http://tolweb.org/Lophiiformes)

- [Video (02:37) – Anglerfish mating](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anDIlMVgNwk) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier))

- Lu, D. Anglerfish immune system lets them fuse with their mate. New Scientist 247, 19 (2020).

v t e Extant orders of Actinopterygii (ray-finned fish) Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Osteichthyes Cladistia Polypteriformes Actinopteri Chondrostei Acipenseriformes Neopterygii Holostei Amiiformes Lepisosteiformes Teleostei Elopomorpha Elopiformes Albuliformes Anguilliformes Notacanthiformes Osteoglossomorpha Hiodontiformes Osteoglossiformes Otocephala Clupeiformes Alepocephaliformes Ostariophysi Gonorynchiformes Cypriniformes Gymnotiformes Characiformes Siluriformes Euteleostei Lepidogalaxiiformes Argentiniformes Salmoniformes Osmeriformes Stomiiformes Galaxiiformes Ateleopodiformes Aulopiformes Myctophiformes Acanthomorpha Lampriformes Percopsiformes Polymixiiformes Gadiformes Zeiformes Trachichthyiformes Beryciformes Percomorpha Ophidiiformes Batrachoidiformes Gobiiformes Scombriformes Syngnathiformes Carangiformes Anabantiformes Synbranchiformes Ovalentaria Cyprinodontiformes Atheriniformes Beloniformes Cichliformes Blenniiformes Mugiliformes Eupercaria Perciformes Centrarchiformes Labriformes Acropomatiformes Acanthuriformes Lophiiformes Tetraodontiformes

Authority control databases International GND FAST National United States France BnF data Japan Israel Other Yale LUX

Taxon identifiers Lophiiformes Wikidata: Q206948 Wikispecies: Lophiiformes ADW: Lophiiformes AFD: Lophiiformes BioLib: 15891 BOLD: 255 CoL: 3GY EoL: 5448 EPPO: 1LPHIO GBIF: 1305 iNaturalist: 61542 IRMNG: 10765 ITIS: 164495 NBN: NBNSYS0000183684 NCBI: 8070 NZOR: a0591d08-0071-4a09-afac-392f86514c28 Open Tree of Life: 583640 Paleobiology Database: 35691 Plazi: 03856F28-FF99-814E-14D7-F973A433FB3A Taxonomicon: 44230 WoRMS: 10316

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Anglerfish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglerfish) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglerfish?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.