Deep-sea fish

Deep-sea fish are fish that live in very deep waters of oceans. Examples of deep-sea fish are anglerfish, lanternfish, cookiecutter sharks, and others. They can live 3,500 m deep or more.

Humpback anglerfish

Adaptations

People once thought the deepest depths of the sea were inhospitable to fish. However, scientists have discovered many deep-sea fish, including the Mariana snailfish. Sharks are also able to reside in these deep areas. Examples include the goblin and megamouth sharks.

Examples

Anglerfish

Anglerfish, order Lophiiformes, have a special lure on their heads. Smaller fish get attracted by the light, only to get noshed by the anglerfish.

Lanternfish

Lanternfish, family Myctophidae, have bioluminescent spots, giving them their name.

Flashlight fish

Flashlight fish, family Anomalopidae, have bioluminescent organs that have glowing bacteria.

Gallery

A telescopefish

Patagonian toothfish

Antarctic toothfish

Related pages

• Telescopefish
• Anglerfish

References

1. Marshall (1984). "Progenetic tendencies in deep-sea fishes", pp. 91-101 in Potts GW and Wootton RJ (eds.) (1984) Fish reproduction: strategies and tactics Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
2. Smith, L. (Jan. 8, 2009). "Fish with four eyes can see through the deep sea gloom". Times Online. Times Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved on March 14, 2009.

Other websites

• https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/abyss/life/bestiary.html