Love this video about angler fish. Just the right amount of laughter and science this new ear needs!
Of course our favorite at DSN is the Black Devil or Humpback Anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii, Class Actinopterygii, Order Lophiiformes, Family Melanocetidae) the vertebrate poster child for deep-sea science. And what’s not to love? The size of a tennis ball, the females can swallow prey four times their size because of a flabby stomach. Thanks to tiny fins and a virtually absent tail these fleshy footballs are not going anywhere fast.
The prominent lure is not just a lighted organ to attract prey but a beacon of sexual energy attracting potential mates. And those tiny males, barely ten percent of the female’s length, are little more than swimming sperm sacks. When the males find a female, they attach, living the rest of their life a parasite. Those females are very lucky indeed.
Now for anglerfish haiku. Feel free to include yours below in the comments.
The twilight zone –
two angler fish begin the cycle:
always as one.
Deep sea toothy grin
Luminescent head thingy
Darkness holds surprise
LOVED the vid!! – hilarious!!
Waving your esca,
A meaty little flag.
Can’t fool me. Uh oh. Gulp.