Picture of the Week Deep Sea Angler Fish

Picture of the Week Deep Sea Angler Fish
Image Quest 3-D

Illustrated here are the larval and adult forms of deep sea angler fish. Deep sea anglers, suborder Ceratioidea, are represented by about 120 species, belonging to eleven different families. Note that the larval form (? Melanocetus sp.) is surrounded by a gelatinous epidermal layer, possibly providing protection, and has not yet developed the lure. In comparison the adult (Melaoncetus sp.) obviously displays its fishing pole lure. Both images were taken by Dr Peter Herring while on board the RS Discovery Vessel.

Visit the website for the rest of the article and photos.