Shortspine African Anglerfish [Haplophryne mollis]
Description
Haplophryne mollis, known as the Shortspine African Anglerfish, is a small, brownish anglerfish that is found in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Africa. These fishes are known for their unique reproductive behavior where males permanently attach themselves to the females for sustenance, eventually fusing with the female’s body. The females have a specialized dorsal fin known as the illicium, which they use as a lure to attract prey.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Anglerfishes
Lophiiformes
|
| Family |
Goosefishes
Lophiidae
|
| Genus |
Shortspine African Anglerfishes
Afrolophius
|