The female Anglerfish has such a unique morphology including its most distinctive feature, its dosrsal appendage, the esca, is a lure that produces light from symbiotic bacteria. Males do not possess this significant anatomical feature. Utilizing a muscular skin flap, she has the ability to either hide or reveal its lighted lure. Each species of anglerfish has a specific species of bacterium it’s paired with symbiotically. By pulsing the light and moving the lure back and forth, she is able to attract pelagic crustaceans, fishes, and other prey. She also uses her light to attract mates. The bioluminescent light is produced by a chemical reaction given off by the bacteria. Female anglerfish are able to adjust their chemistry and brain mechanisms depending on their immediate needs, such as hunting prey, attracting a mate, or confusing a predator. There are still questions presented by reseachers as to what actual bacteria makes up the esca and how did they obtain its female symbionts however, this studying this physiology would give researchers a better insight on how certain fish underwater utilizes and produces bioluminescent light.

https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/fish/meet-tiny-bacteria-give-anglerfishes-their-spooky-glow

 

Citations:

Anglerfish. (2018, September 24). Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/group/anglerfish/.

Ward, L. K. (2018, May 8). Meet the Tiny Bacteria That Give Anglerfishes Their Spooky Glow. Retrieved from https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/fish/meet-tiny-bacteria-give-anglerfishes-their-spooky-glow.