Anglerfish have long been famous for the way they attract prey.
These slow-moving creatures (belonging to the order Lophiiformes) have developed a way to make their food come to them using what is, essentially, a built-in, baited ‘fishing rod’ extending from their foreheads, bringing their food right to the entrance of their mouth.
This ‘fishing rod’ is actually a modified fin, called an illicium. At its tip dangles an esca which acts like a lure, imitating their prey’s favourite foods, such as marine worms or smaller fish.
But, when it comes to the lives of anglerfish, things get even weirder than that …
