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By Douglas Main
Senior writer
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It seems like every time scientists look for new life in the deep sea, they strike gold. In this installment of "what the heck is that?" allow us to introduce a newfound species of anglerfish, dubbed Lasiognathus regan.
Anglerfish all have unique appendages extending from their heads that are used to lure prey. This new species has a particularly funky, fishing pole–like barbel on its noggin that also produces light.
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Researchers from Nova Southeastern University found three specimens of this fish at depths between 3,200 and 4,900 feet in the northern Gulf of Mexico. They ranged in length from 1 inch to 4 inches, and are described fully in a paper published in the journal Copeia.
"Finding this new species reinforces the notion that our inventory of life in the vast ocean interior is far from complete," says study co-author Tracey Sutton, a marine ecologist. "Every research trip is an adventure and another opportunity to learn about our planet and the varied creatures who call it home."
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