Family: LOPHIIDAE, Goosefish, Anglerfishes, Goosefishes

FAMILY LOPHIIDAE

ANGLERFISHES, GOOSEFISHES

The lophiid anglerfishes, which reach up to 2 m, have a globular appearance with limb-like pectoral fins; a large, broad flattened head which is armed with bony spines; eyes on top of the head; mouth large, wide, top jaw protractile, lower jaw projecting, with large sharp teeth; 2 dorsal fins, 1st of 2-3 isolated slender spines on head (1st spine with a lure) and 1-3 spines connected by a membrane, above the pectoral fin; 2nd (soft) dorsal at rear of body; gill opening situated behind the base of the pectoral fins; skin smooth, no scales.

The family occurs worldwide in tropical and temperate seas. There are four genera and 25 species. Three W Atlantic species from two genera enter shallow water in the Greater Caribbean.