Monkfish (Anglerfish) Lophius piscatorius
The Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) – also known as the Anglerfish – is one of the more extraordinary fish of British waters, its enormous flattened head, cavernous mouth, and bioluminescent lure making it unmistakable. It lies concealed on sandy or muddy seabeds, ambushing prey. Monkfish are caught in offshore waters of the North Sea by commercial trawlers and are a high-value food species. They are occasionally encountered in deeper offshore areas beyond the Suffolk coast, and specimens sometimes appear in local fish markets. Slow growth and late maturity make the species vulnerable to overfishing pressure across its range. Image: © Poul Erik Rasmussen, iNaturalist.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Marine Life Information Centre
Suffolk’s Priority Marine Life Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
