How to Identify Anglerfish

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

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

flat

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically mottled brown, green, or grey, providing excellent camouflage against the seabed. Ventral surface is paler, often whitish. The skin is scaleless.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely large, broad, and flattened head, comprising up to two-thirds of the total body weight., Enormous, crescent-shaped mouth armed with numerous sharp, recurved teeth., Modified first dorsal fin spine (illicium) located on the snout, acting as a 'fishing rod'., Fleshy lure (esca) at the tip of the illicium, resembling a small fish or worm., Absence of scales, skin is smooth or covered with dermal denticles., Broad pectoral fins that resemble limbs, used for 'walking' on the seabed.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first is highly modified: the first three spines are separate, with the first (illicium) being very long and mobile, bearing the esca. The second and third spines are shorter. The second dorsal fin is soft-rayed and located further back on the body.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and fleshy, positioned laterally and used for propulsion and support on the seabed.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are jugular (anterior to pectoral fins), small, and fleshy.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head and Mouth

   The most striking feature is its disproportionately large, flattened head and enormous mouth, which is wider than the rest of its body. The mouth is lined with numerous sharp, inward-pointing teeth.

2. 2

   Illicium and Esca

   Look for the prominent 'fishing rod' (illicium) extending from the snout, tipped with a fleshy lure (esca). This is unique to anglerfishes.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Its flattened, broad body and mottled brown/grey/green coloration allow it to blend perfectly with the seabed. It lacks scales.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fins

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

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