Britannica Sources used in this answer

How do anglerfish use a lure as a form of aggressive mimicry?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Müllerian mimicry: butterflies — mimicry *Heliconius* butterflies demonstrating Müllerian mimicry, a form of mimicry where one or more species exhibit closely similar warning systems. In this case, wing patterning and coloration among the species appear very similar.

Anglerfish utilize aggressive mimicry by employing a specialized anatomical structure to deceive potential prey. In these species, the foremost spine of the dorsal fin is modified into an elongated rod that functions as a fishing pole, tipped with a fleshy, often luminous, "bait" or lure.123

By waving this lure in front of other fish, the anglerfish mimics the appearance and movement of the prey's own food source, such as a small worm. When unsuspecting prey approach the lure, mistaking it for a non-threatening organism, they are drawn within range of the anglerfish's large jaws and are subsequently engulfed. This strategy is a classic example of aggressive mimicry, where a predator gains a survival advantage by resembling a harmless third party or a food item to lure its victims into a surprise attack.123