Some research on monkfish fishing suggests that overfishing exists and that consumers may want to seek out different types of fish if they are concerned about sustainability.
The common name “anglerfish” is used to describe several different species of fish, including fish in the genera Lophius and Squatina. As a general rule, fish that share this common name also have a number of traits in common, including an unfortunate level of ugliness. These fleshy, slightly flattened fish tend to live near the sea floor, leading biologists to classify them as benthic or bottom fish, and are found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean.
A distinctive feature of the monkfish is the head, which is wide and flat with large lips. Anglerfish also have several filaments protruding from their heads; one of the filaments has a fleshy bulb, which serves as a bait to attract smaller fish. When the fish come close, the angler grabs them, usually swallowing them whole. These filaments are believed to be residual remains of the upper fin of these fish, and various benthic fish use these tactics to attract dinner.
The monkfish is brown, with warty skin. Their tails are extremely thick and muscular, propelling them along the ocean floor they call home. Monkfish vary in size; three to six feet (one to two meters) are common lengths, and some fishermen have recorded even larger specimens. Like other anglers, fish that use biological adaptations to essentially fish for prey, the stomach contents of anglerfish can sometimes be quite unnerving.
Anglers originally viewed anglerfish as useless bycatch, and in fact, many thought of anglerfish as a monster. Many artworks depicting sea monsters are actually designs of anglerfish, typically with their characteristic gaping jaws. Some species also have hooded heads, which explains the common name “anglerfish”. Depending on the species and regional dialect, anglerfish are also called goosefish, frogfish, sea devils, bullmouths, bellyfish, and allmouths, referring to their huge mouths.
People also use monkfish as a food source. The dense, slightly sweet tail meat has long been a popular alternative to lobster, for example. Unfortunately, research on angler fishery suggests that there is overfishing, and consumers may want to seek out different types of fish to ensure that anglerfish populations remain healthy. Fish also bioaccumulate mercury, which can be very dangerous for pregnant women and developing children. The US Food and Drug Administration has also warned consumers that inedible fish species are sometimes sold as “monkfish,” capitalizing on consumer demand and potentially putting people in danger.