New Delhi: Calling it home, numerous creatures reside deep inside the ocean. They barely touch the surface of the ocean, and thus, their features and qualities are hardly known to most human beings. It became surprising for humans when a creature of the deep sea washed up on the Oregon coast. Even biologists were amazed after witnessing this alien-like bizarre sea creature named the Pacific football fish floating on the Oregon coast. The Pacific football fish is a deep-sea angler and is shy and elusive. Scroll down to know more about this alluring sea creature.
Facts to know about Pacific football fish
Known to live in waters as deep as 3,000 feet or 500 fathoms, the football fish is a species of anglerfish.
There are currently 22 recognised species of Pacific football fish, and all species belong to the genus Himantolophus.
The scientific name of the fish is a blend of two Greek words: himantos, meaning leather strap or leash, and lopho, meaning crest or tuft.
While the scientific name of the fish represents the thick, leathery appearance of the rod on the top of the head, the football fish is the only living creature in its family.
The fish has been given the name football because of its appearance. As the name suggests, the fish has a large, oval- or round-shaped body that appears like a football.
Coated with black or brown scales, the Pacific football fish has very sharp teeth that give it a horrific look.
Like various anglerfish, the football fish has a great difference between males and females. While the females measure up to two feet long, the males measure less than two inches long.
The female possesses the large glowing angler rod that emerges from the head, while the male lacks many of the same physical features as the female. The glowing rod at the top of the head of the fish is one of the major characteristic that the fish has.
Mentioned as least concern or data deficient on the IUCN Red List, the football fish is mainly found in the deep tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
Known to live in waters as deep as 3,000 feet or 500 fathoms, the football fish is a species of anglerfish. The fish has been given the name football because of its appearance. As the name suggests, the fish has a large, oval- or round-shaped body that appears like a football. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
