The Anglerfish Relatives

a graphic depicting several different anglerfish of various sizes and colors
(Smithsonian Institution)

Anglerfish and their close relatives— frogfish, handfish, batfish, sea toads, and goosefish (Lophiiformes) live all around the world—some live in the deep sea, while others swim in shallow waters. Within these areas, they are mostly found along the seafloor, with some in open waters. These fish exhibit a wide variety of interesting adaptations that visually set them apart from many other fish species, but the most striking is their lure. Learn more about anglerfish and their relatives here.