angler fish
Noun: 1. A type of deep-sea fish: An angler fish is a marine fish known for its distinctive method of predation. It has a large mouth and a modified dorsal fin spine that acts as a lure to attract prey.
The term "angler fish" refers specifically to this biological group. It is typically used in singular or plural forms to discuss the animal itself, its biology, or its habitat. * The documentary featured the bizarre appearance of an angler fish. * Angler fish are often found in the deep ocean. * Scientists study the bioluminescent lure of the angler fish.
- "Anglerfish": This is a common closed compound variant of "angler fish".
- The anglerfish uses its glowing lure in the dark depths.
- Anglerfish (n): A standard alternative spelling, written as one word.
- Monkfish (n): A common name for some species of anglerfish, especially those used for food.
- Lophiiformes (n): The scientific order to which anglerfish belong.
- Illicium (n): The biological term for the modified dorsal fin spine that forms the fishing-rod-like lure.
- Frogfish (n): A type of anglerfish found in shallow, tropical waters.
- Goosefish (n): Another common name for certain anglerfish species.
The core defining characteristic of an angler fish is its predatory adaptation: the "wormlike filament" (the esca) that it uses to "angle" for prey, much like a human angler uses a fishing rod. This unique feature is the source of its common name.
- fishes having large mouths with a wormlike filament attached for luring prey