Deepsea Anglerfish

The Deepsea Anglerfish, also known as the illuminated netdevil, is a resident of the deep bathypelagic zone. These fish are found across tropical and subtropical oceans, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. While they typically swim at depths between 200 and 1,000 metres, some individuals have been recorded much deeper. One female was found 1,645 metres below the surface, and a male was once collected 4,000 metres down.

This species is defined by its black, gelatinous skin and lack of scales. Females reach up to 77 millimetres in length and are easily recognized by a glowing lure on the head and a complex, branching barbel hanging from the chin. This barbel, which resembles seaweed fronds, is as long as the fish's body and contains many light-producing organs. In contrast, males are tiny, reaching only about 15 millimetres. These males have forward-facing, tubular eyes and must attach themselves to a female to survive and mature.

In the darkness of the deep sea, females hunt for a diet of crustaceans and other fishes. Free-living males do not appear to eat and likely die within a few months if they cannot find a partner to provide them with nutrients. Once a pair is formed, they can reproduce, with the female releasing a gelatinous mass containing numerous eggs. No specific external threats are mentioned, but their survival depends on the successful union of the two very different sexes.