How do anglerfishes use a modified dorsal spine to attract prey?

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A porcupine fish in the Andaman Sea — fish *Diodon hystrix* is a species of porcupine fish. These fishes are short and broad-bodied, with large eyes and spines covering their skin. Like puffer fishes, they inflate their bodies when threatened.

Anglerfishes are named for their unique method of hunting prey. The foremost spine of the dorsal fin, located on the head, is modified into an elongated rod that functions like a fishing pole.12

At the tip of this rod is a fleshy, often luminous "bait" or lure. The anglerfish waves this lure to attract unsuspecting prey; when the prey approaches the lure, it is close enough for the anglerfish to engulf it in its large jaw. In deep-sea species, this lure is typically found only on females and can range from simple to ornate in appearance.12