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Phantom Anglerfish (Haplophryne mollis) from the Gulf of Mexico.
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, pigment free 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, is short, keeping the lure close to the face. This individual was captured between 1200 meters depth and the surface in the Gulf of Mexico, 2011.
The ghostly seadevil or soft leftvent angler, ''Haplophryne mollis'', is a species of anglerfish in the family Linophrynidae and is the only species in the genus ''Haplophryne''. It is found in the bathypelagic and mesopelagic zones of tropical and subtropical parts of the world's oceans at depths down to about 2,250 m .
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"Phantom Anglerfish (Haplophryne mollis) are deep sea creatures. They are found in oceans around the world at depths down to 2,250 m (7,400 ft). These translucent fish slowly swim in the deep ocean darkness using bioluminescent lures to attract smaller fish as prey. They are sexually dimorphic with females being approximately four times the size of the males. Since the deep sea is so vast and dark, and the population density of anglerfish is low, it isn't easy to find a mate. But, these fish have a strategy regarding reproduction. If a male is lucky enough to find a female, he takes the notion of romantic attachment to an entirely new level by latching onto her with his teeth and then staying put—permanently. Thus, males become permanent sexual parasites on their female partners. Eventually, the two fuse together, their skin and blood vessels join so that her blood flows through his body! The males teeth, jaws, fins, and eyes wither away until he is basically just a sack of parasitic gonads—a modified sperm factory, if you will. An odd way to live, for sure; but, in an environment where you are unlikely to encounter a mate, it is an efficient system. She provides him with nutrients, and he ensures that she has a constant source of sperm! {Spotted in the Gulf of Mexico by JungleDragon user, Anotheca} #JungleDragon" Posted 4 years ago