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Wolftrap angler (Thaumatichthys pagidostomus) — Thaumatichthyidae

Wolftrap angler

Thaumatichthys pagidostomus

The Wolftrap angler (Thaumatichthys pagidostomus) is a saltwater fish of the family Thaumatichthyidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1440.0 m
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Wolftrap angler is a deep-sea anglerfish (Thaumatichthyidae) of the deep, dark ocean. The female grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, dark, scaleless body with a large mouth and a light-producing lure to attract prey in the pitch dark. Its large, trap-like mouth with an internal lure snaps shut on prey like a clamp. The dwarf males are much smaller. It engulfs passing prey. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Wolftrap angler?

The Wolftrap angler has an irregular in shape body and is mainly black.

Where does the Wolftrap angler live?

The Wolftrap angler lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Wolftrap angler get?

The Wolftrap angler grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Wolftrap angler dangerous to humans?

No, the Wolftrap angler is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Valbek-hengelaarvis sourced
English name
Wolftrap angler sourced
Scientific name
Thaumatichthys pagidostomus
Family
Thaumatichthyidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
25 sourced
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
1440.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Thaumatichthyidae

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