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Fanfin angler (Caulophryne jordani) — Caulophrynidae

Fanfin angler

Caulophryne jordani
NE · Not Evaluated

The Fanfin angler (Caulophryne jordani) is a saltwater fish of the family Caulophrynidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–1510.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The fanfin angler is a bizarre deep-sea anglerfish from oceans worldwide. The female grows to about 11 cm and has a round, black, soft body with enormously long, thread-like rays on the dorsal and anal fins and a fishing organ on the head. With those spread rays and lateral-line senses it feels the slightest movement of prey in the pitch dark. Males are dwarf-sized and attach as parasites to the female. It lives at great depth, to over 1500 metres. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fanfin angler?

The Fanfin angler has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Fanfin angler live?

The Fanfin angler lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Fanfin angler get?

The Fanfin angler grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Fanfin angler dangerous to humans?

No, the Fanfin angler is harmless to humans.

Is the Fanfin angler edible?

The Fanfin angler is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Franjevin-hengelaar verified
English name
Fanfin angler verified
Scientific name
Caulophryne jordani
Family
Caulophrynidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1510.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

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