Anglerfish

Anglerfish are some of the weirdest fish in the ocean. They live deep down where almost no sunlight reaches. Female anglerfish have a long stalk on their head with a glowing tip. They use this like a fishing pole to catch other fish in the dark.

A Living Fishing Rod

The glowing lure on an anglerfish works because of tiny living things called bacteria. These bacteria give off light inside the tip of the lure. Small fish and shrimp swim toward the glow, thinking it is food. When they get close, the anglerfish opens its huge mouth and gulps them down. Its sharp teeth point inward so prey cannot escape.

Life in the Deep

Most anglerfish live more than 3,000 feet below the ocean surface. It is very cold and dark down there. The pressure would crush most animals, but anglerfish are built for it. They do not swim much because food is hard to find. They wait for their meal to come to them instead.

Fun Facts

• Only female anglerfish have the glowing lure.
• Some male anglerfish are much smaller than females and attach to them permanently.
• There are over 200 different kinds of anglerfish.

Did You Know?

An anglerfish can swallow prey twice its own size. Its stretchy stomach grows big enough to hold a huge meal.