Facts about Anglerfish in the Deep Sea

1. 05

   The light-producing esca of anglerfish is powered by symbiotic bioluminescent bacteria that the fish harbors within the lure.

   Anglerfish in the Deep SeaJun 6sharebiologysymbiosisbioluminescence
2. 04

   Most deep-sea anglerfish inhabit the bathypelagic zone, at depths between 1,000 and 4,000 meters where sunlight never penetrates.

   Anglerfish in the Deep SeaJun 6sharebiologyoceandepth
3. 03

   Deep-sea anglerfish belong to the order Lophiiformes, with over 200 species adapted to survive in the crushing pressures of the bathypelagic zone.

   Anglerfish in the Deep SeaJun 6sharebiologytaxonomydeepsea
4. 02

   In deep-sea anglerfish, males are dramatically smaller than females and permanently fuse to them during mating, becoming parasitic partners.

   Anglerfish in the Deep SeaJun 6sharebiologyreproductionevolution
5. 01

   Female deep-sea anglerfish use a bioluminescent lure called an esca, dangled from a modified dorsal spine, to attract prey in total darkness.

   Anglerfish in the Deep SeaJun 6sharebiologybioluminescencepredation