Whitespotted Anglerfish

The Whitespotted Anglerfish  (phyllopryne scrota) is a temperate water fish found in the southern waters of Australia including Tasmania.

They variable in coloration  from almost all black through to orange and red and can be found with a spotted or blotched texture.

Like other Anglerfish they attract their prey by using a specialised rod (illicium) and on the end of the rod is attached the bait (esca) They use these tools to mimic the worms or fish, that their prey feed on. As the victim gets within range the Anglerfish will quickly strike using suction to drawn the fish into it's mouth.

You can find  The Whitespotted Anglerfish under jetties and on rocky reefs.

Size: 10 cm

Diet: Small fishes & invertebrates.