Ghostly Seadevil (Haplophryne mollis), Gulf of Mexico - composite image

The Phantom Anglerfish (Haplophryne mollis) belongs to a group of anglerfish known as the Ghostly Seadevils. Part of the scientific name of this species (the genus) translates to “simple toad.” Prominent spines and the opaque, low-pigment tissue are diagnostic for the species, which is found in all three major oceans of the world. The bulb that sits on the front of the face is a “fishing lure” known as an esca. The esca is bioluminescent and accommodates bioluminescent bacteria, which are responsible for the light production. The lure is used to attract potential prey items to within striking distance. In this species the “rod,” or the fin ray that attaches the lure to the fishes’ body (the illicium), is short, keeping the lure close to the face. Remember that in anglerfishes, females and males are sexually dimorphic – or look very different. The males are small and not particularly notable. They swim around trying to detect the chemical trail of a female to follow it…and if they are lucky enough to find a female, they bite her and hold on. The tissues of the female and male dissolve and ultimately fuse in the area. Her circulatory system connects with his. Various organs in the male begin to regress and shrink. The male becomes a living sperm factory and is an obligate parasite of the female for the rest of their lives. These individuals, females, were captured between 1,200 and 1,500 meters depth, Gulf of Mexico.