description Atlantic Footballfish Overview
The Atlantic footballfish (Himantolophus groenlandicus) is a deep-sea anglerfish species first scientifically described in 1837 from a specimen collected near Greenland. Females possess a bioluminescent illicium (lure) containing symbiotic bacteria that attracts prey in the bathypelagic darkness at depths of 1000-2000 meters. Like other deep-sea anglerfish, it exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with males being vastly smaller than females and sometimes permanently attaching to females as parasitic mates, after which their tissues fuse with the female's body.
help Atlantic Footballfish FAQ
How was the Atlantic footballfish first discovered?
The Atlantic footballfish, scientifically known as Himantolophus groenlandicus, was first scientifically described in 1837. The initial specimen was collected in the ocean waters near Greenland, which is why it was given that specific Latin name.
How do female Atlantic footballfish attract prey?
The females possess a bioluminescent illicium, which acts as a glowing lure extending from their heads. This glow is produced by symbiotic bacteria living inside the lure, which attracts unsuspecting prey in the pitch-black bathypelagic depths.
What is the size difference between male and female Atlantic footballfish?
Like many deep-sea anglerfish, the Atlantic footballfish exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism. The females are much larger, reaching up to two feet in length, while the tiny males are just a fraction of that size and often attach themselves to the female as parasites.
Has the Atlantic footballfish ever been seen alive by humans?
Because they live at such extreme ocean depths, they are rarely seen alive by humans. Most of our knowledge comes from deceased specimens washed ashore or pulled up in deep-sea trawl nets by scientific researchers.
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