Monfish

The monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) otherwise known as an anglerfish, is a bottom-dwelling ambush feeder. The first three spines of the dorsal fin are elongated and the foremost ends in a chaotic growth of flesh – the lure, which the fish can move in all directions while it sits otherwise motionless on the seabed. Smaller fish contacting the lure trigger a reflex action of the huge jaws and are swallowed whole. Monkfish may be susceptible to over fishing (trawling), but if allowed can grow to 1.5m in length.

The individual above was photographed inside the breakwater of Plymouth Sound at a depth of 24m.

For more information on the Monkfish visit MarLin.

Photo credit: Keith Hiscock