How to Identify American Anglerfish

To identify American Anglerfish (Lophius americanus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsally mottled brown, green, or grayish with darker blotches, providing excellent camouflage against the seafloor. Ventrally pale.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely broad, flattened head, comprising up to two-thirds of the total body width., Large, upward-pointing mouth armed with numerous sharp, recurved teeth., First dorsal fin spine (illicium) modified into a 'fishing rod' with a fleshy lure (esca) at its tip., Pectoral fins are large and limb-like, used for 'walking' on the seabed., Skin is smooth and scaleless, often covered with dermal flaps and cirri that further aid in camouflage.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins: the first is highly modified into an illicium and two other short, isolated spines; the second is soft-rayed and located far back on the body.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and fleshy, resembling limbs, positioned laterally.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are jugular (anterior to pectoral fins).

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head Shape and Size

   Look for the disproportionately large, flattened head that makes up a significant portion of its body. This is the most striking feature.

2. 2

   Illicium and Esca

   Observe the 'fishing rod' (illicium) extending from the head, tipped with a fleshy lure (esca). This is a definitive characteristic of anglerfishes.

3. 3

   Mouth and Teeth

   Note the very wide, upward-facing mouth filled with numerous sharp, inward-pointing teeth, designed for engulfing prey.

4. 4

   Coloration and Camouflage

   Its mottled brown, green, or gray coloration with dermal flaps helps it blend perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms.

5. 5

   Pectoral Fins

   The large, limb-like pectoral fins are distinctive, used for propulsion and 'walking' on the seabed.

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