Angler Fish Facts

Angler fish fact # 1

One of the smallest fish species in the world is an Angler fish. Its name is Photocorynus spiniceps and it was recently discovered off the Philippine coast and described in the 2005 September issue of the “Journal of Ichthyological Research”. It is also considered one of the smallest vertebrates in the world. The male Photocorynus spiniceps is only ¼ inch (6.2 millimeters) long as an adult. He lacks digestive system and will attach himself to the much larger female and derive nutrition from her blood system. The large female can have several tiny males attach to her and up to eight males have been recorded on one female. The males will deteriorate when they have attached themselves to a female and eventually they will be hardly anything else than a pair of testes.

Angler fish facts # 2

Many species of Angler fish are popular food fishes in Asia. In Japan, the liver is considered the most precious part of the Angler fish and Angler fish gourmets pay huge sums for a good Angler fish liver. Angler fish is also popular in Spain, where it is often served with almond sauce, spinach and a glass of red wine. Cut the Angler fish into chunks and salt them. Heat up a few tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan and fry the fish rapidly until it is brown on both sides. Add 30 skinless almonds, two garlic cloves and one slice of crust-less bread to the pan and fry until they are golden. Put almonds, garlic and bread in a mixer. Add half a table spoon of saffron and a small glass of white win and mix the sauce until it is smooth. Fry a chopped onion with a chopped (skinless) tomato. Add the almond sauce to the pan when the onion and tomato have turned soft, and include a decilitre of water or fish stock in the sauce. Place the Angler fish chunks in the sauce and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Taste the sauce and use salt and pepper if needed.

Angler fish fact # 3

Off the European continental coast and the coasts of Great Britain you can find an Angler fish that is known as the sea-devil. This Angler fish has a very odd spawn that consists of a thin sheet of translucent gelatinous material. This spawn sheet can reach a length of 30 feet and be up to three feet wide. In this sheet, you will find a single layer of eggs and each egg is protected inside its own private cavity. The spawning sheet will float around freely in the sea until the fry is hatched. The fry is free-swimming and are equipped with filaments that consist of elongated pelvic fins