Tasselled anglerfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tasselled anglerfish |
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The tasselled anglerfish (Rhycherus filamentosus) is a unique type of frogfish. It lives only in southern Australia, in parts of the southwestern Pacific Ocean and southeastern Indian Ocean. This fish is a master of disguise, hiding on the seafloor. It waits patiently for other small animals to swim by, then quickly catches them.
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Discovering the Tasselled Anglerfish
This special fish was first found in Gulf St Vincent in Southern Australia. It was caught by Frederick George Waterhouse, who worked at the South Australian Museum. He sent these fish to a French scientist named Francis de Laporte de Castelnau.
How it Got its Name
In 1872, de Castelnau officially described this fish. He first named it Chironectes filamentosus. Later, scientists decided it belonged to a different group of fish. So, its name was changed to Rhycherus filamentosus, which is what we call it today.
What Does the Tasselled Anglerfish Look Like?
Tasselled anglerfish are part of the frogfish family. They have round bodies that are flat on the sides. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads, and they have a big mouth that points upwards.
Special Features of the Anglerfish
One of the most amazing things about this fish is its special "fishing rod." It has a long, thin spine on its back called an illicium. At the end of this rod is a white, worm-like lure called an esca. This lure helps it attract prey.
Size and Camouflage
The tasselled anglerfish can grow to about 23 centimeters (9 inches) long. Its skin is covered with many threads and filaments. These look just like the fronds of red algae, which are a type of seaweed. This helps the fish blend in perfectly with its surroundings. Its main color is reddish-brown, with darker and lighter patches. This amazing camouflage makes it very hard to spot!
Where the Tasselled Anglerfish Lives
The tasselled anglerfish is found only in Australia. It lives in the southeastern Indian Ocean and the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
Its Home Range
You can find this fish from Gulf St Vincent in South Australia all the way to the eastern end of the Bass Strait. It likes to live near reefs, which are underwater rock formations. It can be found in waters as deep as 60 meters (200 feet).
How the Tasselled Anglerfish Lives
The tasselled anglerfish is a benthic fish, meaning it lives on the seabed. It rarely swims. Instead, it uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to "walk" along the ocean floor.
Hunting Strategy
This fish is an ambush predator. This means it hides and waits for its food to come to it. When a small animal gets close, the anglerfish wiggles its worm-like lure (esca). If the prey comes even closer, the fish gets ready to strike. It opens its mouth very quickly and sucks in the prey. This happens so fast that the prey doesn't even have time to react!
See also
In Spanish: Rhycherus filamentosus para niños
