Anglers are a type of fish usually called fishing-frogs or sea devils. They are to be found in the waters of the northeast Atlantic, in the Barents Sea, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. They have flattened bodies, broad heads and jaws. Anglers are pretty small fish, and can be found in over 200 species.
The funny thing about some of those species, normally called deep-sea anglers, is the fact that the males have become so small due to environmental conditions that they live as a sort of parasites on the females' bodies. The male attaches to the female body by using his mouth and as a result, the bloodstreams of the two get connected. The male becomes totally dependant on his female companion after that.
Although anglers have small dimensions, they are able to attract other fish by using their lure and jaws. Some experiments have been carried out on the anglers' way of seizing smaller fish and it has been proven that the actions of the jaws are automatic. It is not very unusual for anglers to swallow prey of their own size, as their stomach is expandable. No wonder the name of "sea devils".
Anther interesting thing about anglers is the fact that they reproduce in an at least unusual way. The spawn is a gelatinous transparent material which contains eggs in a single layer, each in its own small cavity. The spawn is released directly in the water and larvae appear and develop without any help from "their parents". Anglers are often strange in shapes, but can only be seen in the sea bottom. Don't expect to see one as you're lying on the beach, for instance. According to those forms, different types have been called batfish, goosefish, or frogfish.
