Fanfin Angler

Caulophryne jordani

Fanfin Angler

The Fanfin angler, scientifically known as Caulophryne jordani, is a species of anglerfish found in deep sea waters. It’s known for its unusual tentacles with bioluminescent tips and a distinctive spine above its eyes with a fleshy growth used to lure prey. They inhabit the bathyal zone at depths ranging from 100 to 1,510 meters.

History

They are part of the roughly 160 known species of deep-sea anglerfishes found in all oceans around the world. However, they are extremely rare; for instance, only 14 females have been documented in natural history collections.

Habitat

Fanfin Anglers are found in the deep, lightless waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They inhabit midwater zones at depths typically between 700 to 3,000 meters, where sunlight does not penetrate.

Feeding

These anglerfish have a unique hunting strategy. They possess a bioluminescent lure that attracts fishes and other deep-sea animals. The light is produced not by the fish itself but by special light-producing bacteria living inside the lure. This symbiotic relationship allows the Fanfin Angler to hunt in complete darkness. The Fanfin Angler primarily feeds on crustaceans and smaller fishes. It uses its bioluminescent lure to attract these prey items in the deep sea’s dark environment. The light from the lure, produced by symbiotic bacteria, entices prey close enough for the anglerfish to capture them.

Adaptations

Adapted to a life in perpetual darkness, Fanfin Anglers lack the expanded escal bulb found in other anglerfishes. Instead, they have very long dorsal and anal fin rays which move independently, aiding in their manoeuvrability. Their tiny eyes are almost useless for spotting prey, so they rely heavily on their bioluminescence to attract food sources.