Angler-Fish, Monkfish (U.K.), Goosefish (U.S.A.)

Family Lophidae

• Portuguese: Tamboril, Peixe sapo
• Spanish: Rape
• French: Baudroie, Lotte
• Dutch: Zeeduivel, Hozemond
• German: Seeteufel
• Swedish: Marulk, Havspadda
• Norwegian: Breiflabb
• Danish: Bredflab, Havtaske
• Icelandic: Skötuselur
• Other: Pejesapo (Basque); Seyot (Boulogne)

REMARKS Maximum length 2 metres. The species occurs from the Mediterranean to Iceland. A close relation, Lophius americanus Valenciennes, is found in American waters.

Many remarkable features of the angler-fish have been described. A creature of such bizarre appearance and so superbly equipped for the practice of gluttony has naturally attracted some interesting vernacular names, such as bellyfish and goosefish (because it stuffs itself), allmouth (North Carolina), and the cognate ‘lawyer’ (parts of New England), and bellows fish. The Scots name Molly Gowan has no obvious explanation, but the Irish name frogfish is understandable. Another Irish name, láimhineach, alludes to the resemblance between the pectoral fins and human hands. (See the lower drawing.)