The Humpback Anglerfish is a deep-sea species, typically reaching sizes of between 2 and 6 inches in length. They have a laterally compressed body, a large head and mouth, and a long, thin spine protruding from the top of their head. They are usually black in color, with white or yellowish spots and stripes.
The Humpback Anglerfish (also known as Lophius piscatorius) is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They inhabit deep waters, typically from 1,000 to 3,000 feet deep.
They are carnivorous and feed primarily on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They use their long spine to lure their prey close enough to be swallowed.
Humpback Anglerfish are nocturnal ambush predators, lying in wait for their prey to come within range. They are generally solitary and prefer to remain stationary, using their long spine to lure their prey
Lophiidae is the family of which the Humpback Anglerfish belongs. The family consists of 30 species in total, the Humpback Anglerfish being one of them. It is part of the genus Lophius, which includes four species:
Lophius piscatorius (the Humpback Anglerfish); Lophius americanus (the American Anglerfish); Lophius vomerinus (the Long-snouted Anglerfish); and Lophius litulon (the Short-snouted Anglerfish).
