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Wolftrap Anglers/Seadevils (Lasiognathus)-
Lasiognathus is a genus of a family of dreamers (Oneirodidae), the largest, but least known family of deep sea anglerfish. There are 6 species in this genus. These small fish have been discovered in deep, temperate waters worldwide.
Individual species can be identified through slight variations in the bioluminescent bait/lure, placement and size of the teeth, and orientation of the upper jaw’s premaxillaries. In all species, the upper jaw is much longer than the lower jaw, and the actual jaw is connected by skin, allowing it to fold over itself. When prey is lured close by the glowing bait, the upper jaw is brought down (similar to a goblin shark), teeth and all, completely covering the lower jaw, encasing its victim.
Like other deep sea anglerfish, the Lasiognathus exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. Anglerfish males resemble small tadpoles, existing only to attach to a female to provide sperm. Only matured female Lasiognathus specimens have been collected, however it is difficult to identify male specimens of the same species.
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