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Bigmouth wolftrap (Lasiognathus saccostoma) — Thaumatichthyidae

Bigmouth wolftrap

Lasiognathus saccostoma

The Bigmouth wolftrap (Lasiognathus saccostoma) is a saltwater fish of the family Thaumatichthyidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–4000.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Madeira Is., Hawaii

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Description

The Bigmouth wolftrap is a deep-sea anglerfish (Thaumatichthyidae) from the deep, dark zone of the ocean. The female grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, dark, scaleless body with a large mouth and, above the snout, a lure with a conspicuous organ to attract prey in the pitch dark. The dwarf males are much smaller. It engulfs passing prey. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigmouth wolftrap?

The Bigmouth wolftrap has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Bigmouth wolftrap live?

The Bigmouth wolftrap lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Madeira Is., Hawaii

How big does the Bigmouth wolftrap get?

The Bigmouth wolftrap grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Bigmouth wolftrap dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigmouth wolftrap 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.

More photos

Bigmouth wolftrap (Lasiognathus saccostoma) — Thaumatichthyidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Tambja (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Bigmouth wolftrap sourced
Scientific name
Lasiognathus saccostoma
Family
Thaumatichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
15 sourced
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
4000.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Madeira Is., Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Thaumatichthyidae

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