CatchRules

Home · Species · Monkfish

Photo of a Monkfish

Species profile

Monkfish

Lophius piscatorius

Bony fishIUCN: Least Concern257 iNat observations

Identify Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 3 jurisdictions.

At a glance

Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.

Across 3 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 15.0 in (≈ 1 ft 3 in).

Notable details

  • Can reach nearly 2 meters in length and weigh over 55 kg.
  • Its liver, called ankimo, is considered a premium delicacy in Japanese cuisine.
  • Two rows of sharp, inward-curved teeth prevent prey from escaping once seized.
  • Ranges from Iceland and Norway south to West Africa and through the Mediterranean.
  • Can live up to 24 years, making it a slow-maturing species vulnerable to overfishing.

Jurisdictions with rules for Monkfish

Background

Lophius piscatorius, commonly known as the angler, is a monkfish in the family Lophiidae. It is found in coastal waters of the northeast Atlantic, from the Barents Sea to the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Within some of its range, including the Irish Sea, this species comprises a significant commercial fishery.

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Monkfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.

Other bony fish on CatchRules

Frequently asked questions

What is Monkfish?

Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.

What is the scientific name for Monkfish?

Monkfish is Lophius piscatorius.

Is Monkfish regulated for fishing?

Yes — Monkfish has fishing regulations in 3 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.

How can I identify Monkfish?

Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Monkfish along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.

Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.