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Headlight anglerfish (Linophryne lucifer) — Linophrynidae

Headlight anglerfish

Linophryne lucifer
Family: Linophrynidae

The Headlight anglerfish (Linophryne lucifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Linophrynidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1000.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The headlight anglerfish is a deep-sea anglerfish (Linophrynidae) from the dark mid-waters of the ocean. The female grows to about 3 cm and has a round, black body with a rod bearing a luminous lure above the head and a branched, also luminous chin barbel, both with light-producing bacteria. The dwarf males are extremely small and attach as parasites to the female. As a deep-sea predator it lures prey to its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Headlight anglerfish?

The Headlight anglerfish has an irregular in shape body and is mainly black.

Where does the Headlight anglerfish live?

The Headlight anglerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Headlight anglerfish get?

The Headlight anglerfish grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Headlight anglerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Headlight anglerfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lantaarn-baardhengelaar sourced
English name
Headlight anglerfish sourced
Scientific name
Linophryne lucifer
Family
Linophrynidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.9 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1000.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Linophryne

More from the family Linophrynidae

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