Large, broad head with massive mouth full of very sharp teeth which point inwards. Flat body which is mottled dark brown to black in colour. Blunt spines are under the loose skin. First dorsal fin is short and spiny with powerful pectoral fins. Pale underside. Flexible protuberance from the head which is used to attract fish.
Distribution
A deep water fish which stays at depths of around fifty metres, and usually substantially deeper than this. Monkfish are found in the north east Atlantic and parts of the Irish Sea, English Channel and North Sea.
Feeds On
Ambush hunter which feeds primarily on other fish, but will also prey on squid, cuttlefish, octopus and even crustaceans.
- Scientific name: Lophius piscatorius
- Also know as: Anglerfish, Headfish, Goosefish, Frog-fish, Sea-devil
- Size: Up to 6ft long and 250lbs, but typically half this size.
- UK minimum size: Monkfish have a minimum weight of 16lb/7kg when caught from the shore, rather than a minimum length.
- UK shore caught record: 68lb 2oz
- IUCN Status: LC (Least Concern)
