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Netdevil (Borophryne apogon) — Linophrynidae

Netdevil

Borophryne apogon
Family: Linophrynidae

The Netdevil (Borophryne apogon) is a saltwater fish of the family Linophrynidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1750.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others

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Description

The netdevil is a deep-sea anglerfish (Linophrynidae) from the bathypelagic zone of tropical oceans. The female grows to about 8 cm and has a round, black, scaleless body with a large mouth full of needle teeth and a rod with a luminous lure on the head. In the perpetually dark deep sea it lures prey with this light and engulfs fish larger than itself. The dwarf males live parasitically attached to the female. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Netdevil?

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

Where does the Netdevil live?

The Netdevil lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others

How big does the Netdevil get?

The Netdevil grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Netdevil dangerous to humans?

No, the Netdevil 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Netdevil sourced
Scientific name
Borophryne apogon
Family
Linophrynidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.3 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
1750.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
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 Linophrynidae

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