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Wolftrap angler (Thaumatichthys pagidostomus) — Thaumatichthyidae

Wolftrap angler

Thaumatichthys pagidostomus

The Wolftrap angler (Thaumatichthys pagidostomus) is a saltwater fish of the family Thaumatichthyidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1440.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia

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Description

The Wolftrap angler is a deep-sea anglerfish (Thaumatichthyidae) of the deep, dark ocean. The female grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, dark, scaleless body with a large mouth and a light-producing lure to attract prey in the pitch dark. Its large, trap-like mouth with an internal lure snaps shut on prey like a clamp. The dwarf males are much smaller. It engulfs passing prey. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Wolftrap angler?

The Wolftrap angler has an irregular in shape body and is mainly black.

Where does the Wolftrap angler live?

The Wolftrap angler lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia

How big does the Wolftrap angler get?

The Wolftrap angler grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Wolftrap angler dangerous to humans?

No, the Wolftrap angler 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
Wolftrap angler sourced
Scientific name
Thaumatichthys pagidostomus
Family
Thaumatichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
25 sourced
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
1440.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia 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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