Question

Angler fish attracts its prey through
(a) bait present over the tip of the first ray.
(b) leaf- like skin flaps.
(c) phosphorescence.
(d) all of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: This is a bony fish named for its characteristic mode of predation, in which a fleshy growth from the fish's head acts as a lure for other fish. The fleshy growth is called the esca or illicium. Other than illicium it also uses different structures to attract its prey.

Complete answer:
Angler fish has the scientific name Lophiiformes or Lophius, which is found in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. It attracts its prey through bait present over the tip of the first ray, leaf- like skin flaps, and phosphorescence.
Angler fish have very long three spines in the middle of its head which are modified dorsal fins. Out of these three spines, the first is very large, and it is used as a lure so that the fish can attract prey.
The skin of angler fish is very loose and doesn't have any scales. It is fringed at the midline of the body to form leaf- like skin flaps to catch the prey.
It also emits light to attract its prey. This ability of emitting light is called phosphorescence.
Their most distinctive feature, that is found only in females, is a piece of dorsal spine that protrudes above their mouths like a fishing pole Tipped with a lure of luminous flesh this built- in rod baits prey close enough to the fish to be snatched. The mouth of fish is so big and their bodies so pliable, that they can actually swallow prey that can be twice their own size.
So, the correct answer is, ’all of the above’.

Note:
- The source of luminescence is symbiotic bacteria that dwell in and around the esca, enclosed in a cup- shaped reflector containing crystals, probably consisting of guanine.
- There are more than 200 species of anglerfish, most of which live in the murky depths of the Atlantic and Antarctic oceans.
- Malew has evolved into a permanent parasitic mate that fuses with the female, connecting to her skin and bloodstream and losing his eyes and all his internal organs except the testes. A female can carry six or more males on her body.