Fin's Fish Guide
The Longspine African angler (Lophiodes kempi) is a saltwater fish of the family Lophiidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The longspine African angler is a deep-water anglerfish of the family Lophiidae reaching about 40 cm. Like the well-known monkfish it has a broad, flattened body, a large mouth and a first dorsal ray modified into a movable 'rod' (illicium) tipped with a lure. With this it draws prey toward its mouth while lying motionless on the bottom. The longspine African angler occurs in the eastern Atlantic, from Mauritania to Congo, on the outer continental shelf and upper slope, between 50 and 400 m. Little is yet known about the species, so its IUCN status remains Data Deficient.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longspine African angler?
The Longspine African angler has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Deep-water anglerfish with a flattened body, a large mouth and a 'rod' (illicium) with a lure; lies in wait on the bottom.
Where does the Longspine African angler live?
The Longspine African angler lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Mauritania to Congo.
How big does the Longspine African angler get?
The Longspine African angler grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Longspine African angler dangerous to humans?
No, the Longspine African angler is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longspine African angler edible?
The Longspine African angler is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lophiodes
More from the family Lophiidae
Want the complete picture on the Longspine African angler?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longspine African angler is one of 12,519 species in the app.