Monkfish

Monkfish is a common name for a variety of species of fish in the northwest Atlantic, most notably the species Lophius americanus. Monkfish are known for their unusual appearance and large mouth. Despite their bottom-dwelling habit, monkfish are powerful swimmers.

Description

Monkfish have a distinctive appearance, with a flattened body and a large, gaping mouth filled with sharp teeth. The body is mostly scaleless and ranges in color from brown to dark gray, while the belly is a creamy white. The head is broad and flat, with both eyes located on the top side. The pectoral and pelvic fins are large and set back far on the body, while the tail fin is long and tapering.

Distribution and habitat

Monkfish are found in the northwest Atlantic from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada to North Carolina in the United States. They are bottom-dwellers, preferring sandy or muddy habitats, and are often found in deep water.

Diet

Monkfish are voracious predators, feeding on a variety of fish and invertebrates. Their diet includes squid, crustaceans, and other fish. They use their large mouths to engulf their prey whole.

Commercial importance

Monkfish are commercially important in both the United States and Canada. They are caught primarily by trawling, and are sold as both fresh and frozen fillets. The meat is firm and white, with a mild flavor that is often compared to lobster.

Conservation status

The conservation status of monkfish is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like all marine species, they are threatened by overfishing and habitat loss.

See also

• List of fish in the Atlantic Ocean
• Commercial fishing

References

Monkfish Resources
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