by Peter Etnoyer
When it comes to freaky, size matters. The red-eyed gaper Chaunax pictus (shown above) didn’t make the grade for freaky fish at the Oceana contest, but she could probably swallow five of the contestants on the list in a single bite. But it wouldn’t, ’cause it hardly leaves the bottom. It’s just mellow. Hence the common name. Here, the Chaunax is ventilating water in a vain attempt to scare the ROV away.
You gotta love the Fanfin Seadevil at the Freaky Fish contest Craig talks about below, but I guess I’ll be voting for the pram bug after all.
That is one cool toad fish! I’m not familiar with this one, and couldn’t find a reference point for size in the frame, about how big is it?
Definitely qualifies as a Big Mouth Fish! Almost makes me give up inverts for exotic Lophiiforme, especially after they sunburned the soles of my feet in Belize!
That guy’s about 8-9 inches long, Eric.
You mean sods! First you intimidate a much smaller fish than yourselves, then you go & blow sand in its face!!! Good on the little guy holding his/her ground. :-)
Probably too clumsy to make friends, right Andrew? No wonder the Gaper gave us the cold shoulder.