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Sea Toad

A photo of an anglerfish
(Bruce Brandt / Substation Curacao)

This fish belongs to a group of anglerfishes known as lophiiformes. This species, along with other anglerfishes, has a modified dorsal-fin spine, usually on the tip of the snout, which serves as a lure for capturing prey. Researchers with the Smithsonian's Deep Reef Observation Project snapped this photo while on a collecting expedition in a submersible. You can learn more about project in the "Summer in a Sub" blog series.