Fin's Fish Guide
The Angler (Lophius piscatorius) is a saltwater fish of the family Lophiidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the southwestern Barents Sea to the Strait of Gibraltar, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Description
The angler, or monkfish, is a large, strongly flattened bottom predator of the family Lophiidae reaching about 200 cm. It is characterised by an enormous, upturned mouth full of sharp teeth and a first dorsal ray modified into a movable 'rod' (illicium) tipped with a luminous lure. The fish lies half-buried in the sediment, drawing prey toward its mouth. The skin is brown and mottled, giving excellent camouflage. The angler occurs in the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean at depths of 20 to 1000 m, hunting mainly fish. Its tail is a highly prized food fish marketed as monkfish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angler?
The Angler has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Strongly flattened bottom predator with an enormous, upturned mouth and a 'rod' (illicium) with a luminous lure organ; lies half buried in the bottom.
Where does the Angler live?
The Angler lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the southwestern Barents Sea to the Strait of Gibraltar, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
How big does the Angler get?
The Angler grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Angler dangerous to humans?
No, the Angler is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the large mouth has sharp teeth; handle carefully and clean any wounds.
Is the Angler edible?
Yes, the Angler is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Angler and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lophius
More from the family Lophiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angler is one of 12,519 species in the app.