European monkfish
Quick Summary
The European monkfish, scientifically known as Lophius piscatorius, is a species of anglerfish belonging to the Lophiidae family. These fish inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide. They are characterized by their wide, flattened heads, slender bodies, and large mouths filled with sharp teeth. A distinctive feature is the modified dorsal fin spine that acts as a "fishing pole" with a fleshy "bait" to lure prey.1
European monkfish are bottom-dwellers that primarily feed on fish, but also consume invertebrates and seabirds. They can reach lengths of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet). In some regions, they are sold as food and are also referred to as goosefish or angler.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
