There are more than 300  species in 18 families in this unusual order of fish. Many fish in this group have a long, thin “fishing rod” called an illicium that sticks out from their heads with a glowing tip to attract prey—almost like a built-in fishing pole. Interestingly, the illicium is actually a modified dorsal fin ray.

Lophiiformes live all around the world. Most species stay near the bottom of the water. Some, like deep-sea anglerfish and sea toads, live in the dark depths of the ocean, while others, like frogfishes, live in shallower waters.

These fish often have wide, flat bodies and large mouths filled with sharp teeth, which help them catch and swallow prey that can sometimes be as big as themselves.

Interesting facts about Lophiiformes:

• They are ambush predators – they wait quietly for prey to come close rather than chase it.
• Many deep-sea species are bioluminescent, producing light to lure prey in the dark ocean.
• Some species show extreme differences between males and females. In a few species, tiny males attach permanently to females to reproduce.