Identification
Easy to identify, monkfish have a relatively flat body, a spiny and disproportionately-sized head, and a mouth full of fang-like teeth.
Location
They can be found in Canada's Grand Banks to as far south as Cape Hatteras in North Carolina. They dwell as far out as 200 miles from shore.
Habitat
These bottom dwellers like sandy, muddy and silty bottoms in anything from relatively shallow waters to abyssal depths of below 2,300 feet.
Food
These are predatory fish who will eat just about anything they can catch, which means most fish that are smaller than themselves. They have even been known to come to the surface and attack water birds.
Size
Males are roughly 35 inches long and females are roughly 39 inches long.
Endangered?
Although the U.S. government has not classified monkfish as endangered or over-fished, they are considered to be so by the organization, Seafood Watch.
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
