Come identificare Blackmouth Angler

Per identificare Blackmouth Angler (Lophius budegassa), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

flat

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically dark brown to reddish-brown, often mottled with darker patches, providing excellent camouflage against the seabed. Ventral surface is lighter, whitish. The inside of the mouth and gill cavity are distinctly dark, almost black, which is a key differentiating feature.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

superior

Caratteristiche distintive

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

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins: the first is highly modified into three separate spines, with the first spine forming the illicium and esca. The second dorsal fin is soft-rayed and located far back on the body.

Pinna caudale

Rounded caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

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

Pinne distintive

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

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Mouth Coloration

   The most definitive feature for Lophius budegassa is the dark, almost black, coloration of the inside of its mouth and gill cavity. This contrasts sharply with Lophius piscatorius, which has a white or pale mouth.

2. 2

   Illicium Length

   The illicium (first dorsal spine/fishing rod) of L. budegassa is generally shorter relative to its head length compared to L. piscatorius.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Size

   L. budegassa tends to be slightly more slender and generally smaller than L. piscatorius, reaching a maximum length of about 100 cm, but more commonly 50-70 cm.

4. 4

   Skin Appendages

   While both species have dermal appendages, L. budegassa may have slightly less elaborate skin flaps and filaments compared to L. piscatorius.

Esplora Blackmouth Angler