Freaky Fish: Group #3

Welcome to Group #3 of the Freaky Fish Series

Fugly Fools

Now, I know we can argue that some previous Freaks should also be in the Fugly category *cough* Blob Fish *cough*

but these fish are soley here for Fugly purposes, and hopefully no dangers will be discovered lurking beneath the fug.

CoffinfishThe Coffinfish has a flabby body and long tail that are both covered with small spines. It has a black mouth lining and an illicium on the snout that can be lowered into a groove.
This species grows to at least 10 cm in length.

SAFETY LEVEL: Not noted to be dangerous to humans, but anything covered in spines is something to be wary of. They tend to dwell deepsea though, so if you are out there in the first place, you are kind of asking for trouble anyway.

Batfish

Holy mollusks Batfish!

Also called the Red Lipped Batfish, this fish has a broad head, slight body, and is covered in large gnarled lumps. Batfish are not good swimmers; they use their pectoral fins to "walk" on the ocean floor. When the batfish reaches adulthood, its dorsal fin becomes a single spine-like projection that lures prey. Batfish eat shrimps, mollusks, small fish, crabs, and worms.

SAFETY LEVEL: Well, it walks, so it doesn't seem too threatening. Plus, it's flat and lumpy. I'm guessing pretty danger free. It kinda looks like a muppet as well...Yay Batfish!

Scorpion Fish

The scorpionfish are a family of mostly marine fish that includes many of the world's most venomous species. The family is a large one, with hundreds of members. They are widespread in tropical and temperate seas, but mostly found in the Indo-Pacific. The spines of the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins all have venom glands at their bases. Most species are bottom-dwellers that feed on crustaceans and smaller fish, in some cases using the spines to paralyze their victims before gulping them. Others, such as the stonefish (Mr Stonefish appears again...I knew he was a menace!), wait in disguise for prey to pass them by before swallowing, while Lionfish often ambush their prey.

SAFETY LEVEL: Do I even have to say it? HIGHLY DANGEROUS people! Just go re-read about Mr. Stonefish if you need more confirmation about the dangers of him and his family members. The mafia of the sea, I'd say.

Wolf Eel

Wolf-eels have a very long, eellike body with no pelvic fins or lateral line. They're mostly gray to brown, sometimes greenish, with round dark spots surrounded by pale rings on their body and fins. Their scales are minute and embedded in the skin. Their large jaws have distinctive teeth that are a combination of large canine teeth in the front of the jaws and massive , grinding, molar-shaped teeth at the back of the jaws. They grow up to 7 feet and 40 pounds. Wolf-eels are common in cold waters from Alaska to San Diego. Adults live on the bottom in subtidal areas to 740 feet. They're usually found among rocks on reefs or in wrecks, often denning in caves and crevices. Contrary to their appearance, they are not related to true eels, such as morays. When young they are quite active, but as they age they eventually become "rock potatoes" and move into rock shelters or eaves. A wolf-eel may remain in its chosen spot for the rest of its life unless forced out by another wolf eel or an octopus. A wolf-eel pair seems to mate for life, The pair often lies side by side with their heads together. Awe...

SAFETY LEVEL: For the most part, wolf-eels are peaceful and shy, but some of the larger animals seem to be unusually aggressive. Divers say that the animals can be taught to eat out of a hand; however, the wolf-eel should be considered dangerous because of its extremely strong jaws and sharp teeth, which are designed for crushing shells.

Fanfin Seadevil

They are found in deep, lightless waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Females reach a total length of 20cm, but males only grow to 1.6cm. Males have well developed sense organs that are used to find a female. When a male finds a female, he bites her and doesn't let go. His skin fuses with the female and he becomes a parasite on her. (I think we've all had relationships like this, yes?)

SAFETY LEVEL: Unless you are a female Fanfin, probably not that worrisome. But still kinda grosso :(

And that's a wrap for the Fugs!

NEXT CATEGORY: LOOK AT ME!