The anglerfish is a saltwater fish belonging to the anglerfish family. It is found on the seafloor of the
world's oceans and is called the “devil of the sea” because of its unique appearance.
It has a long dorsal fin with a light-emitting organ called an esca at the tip. By moving this, it lures and
captures fish, much like fishing.
This sample was requested by NHK Enterprises, Inc. and the CT scan was conducted as a project for NHK
E-television's "Gyogyotto Sakana★Star.
The program HP of “Giggle at Sakana Star”:
https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/P58QMGP4K1/
CT imaging showed that the ribs and scales were absent. This is thought to have changed when they ate large
prey, causing their stomachs to expand like rubber balloons and stretching their skin.
They also have
sharp, inward-tilted teeth and pharyngeal teeth that keep prey from escaping.