Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific goosefish (Lophiodes caulinaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Lophiidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Pacific; soft bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The spottedtail goosefish is an anglerfish of the goosefish family (Lophiidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a strongly flattened body with an enormous, broad mouth full of inward-pointing teeth. On the head it bears a modified dorsal-fin ray with a small lure, with which as an ambush predator it draws prey toward its mouth. It lives on the bottom of the continental shelf and upper slope, half-buried in soft sediment. It seizes fishes and crustaceans that come too close. Owing to its bottom-bound, camouflaged habits it is little noticed. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific goosefish?
The Pacific goosefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Enormous mouth and a little rod on the head to lure prey; camouflaged bottom ambush predator.
Where does the Pacific goosefish live?
The Pacific goosefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; soft bottoms of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Pacific goosefish get?
The Pacific goosefish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Pacific goosefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific goosefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pacific goosefish edible?
The Pacific goosefish 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 Pacific goosefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific goosefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.