Fin's Fish Guide
The Anglerfish (Halieutaea stellata) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The starry handfish is a deep-sea batfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a strongly flattened, almost round, reddish body covered with star-shaped spinelets, and arm-like pectoral fins with which it 'walks' over the bottom. On the head it bears a small lure that retracts into a cavity. As a slow bottom-dweller it lives on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope, between about 50 and 400 metres, and lures or searches for small benthic animals. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Anglerfish?
The Anglerfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Round flattened body with star-shaped spinelets and a retractable lure; 'walks' over the bottom
Where does the Anglerfish live?
The Anglerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Anglerfish get?
The Anglerfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Anglerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Anglerfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Anglerfish edible?
The Anglerfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Halieutaea
More from the family Ogcocephalidae
Want the complete picture on the Anglerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Anglerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.