Dame Nature Enjoys Nothing More Than Showing Off Just How Formidable She Can Be

Outside of the deep sea, it’s unusual to see an anglerfish, but one was caught at Crystal Cove State Park in California. Anglerfish are most often seen at sea depths of 3,000 feet or greater. The esca is a modified dorsal fin located on the head that protrudes from it.

The anglerfish shines with bioluminescence, luring prey that the fisherman impales on their pointed teeth. The esca has even been observed to attract predators, turning the hunter into the hunted. This is a Pacific football fish, one of the 200 or so different species of angler fish.