mace

Latin: Lophius piscatorius
Size:
2 m - 115 kg
Levested:
Distinctive bottom fish from the shore down to about 2000 meters
Distribution:
Widespread throughout the eastern North Atlantic. From West Africa, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, north to Iceland and the Barents Sea. Common along the Norwegian coast
Food:
Varied food, mainly fish
Facts about Breiflabb

The species has a modified dorsal fin that looks like a fishing rod with bait, which is used to lure fish close enough to swallow them whole. It also has skin flaps on its head and tail that look just like seaweed, and are used as camouflage. Because of its appearance, monkfish was long considered a non-fish. Fishermen did not take monkfish on board their boats as it was bad luck. Today, monkfish is considered a delicacy.

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