monkfish

/mungk"fish'/, n., pl. (esp. collectively) monkfish, (esp. referring to two or more kinds or species) monkfishes.

angler (def. 3).

[1600-10; MONK + FISH, appar. alluding to its remote sea-bottom habitat]

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Any of 10–12 species (genus Squatina, family Squatinidae) of sharks having a flattened head and body, with winglike pectoral and pelvic fins that make them resemble rays.

The tail bears two dorsal fins, and behind each eye is a prominent spiracle. Monkfish grow up to 6.25 ft (2.5 m) long. They inhabit tropical and warm temperate waters of continental shelves worldwide. The angelfish, or angel shark (S. squatina), is often caught for food in European waters. The term monkfish is also used for the unrelated food species of the genus Lophius, bottom-dwelling goosefish with enormous mouths and "fishing rod" lures extending from their heads.

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▪ Squatina

      (genus Squatina), any of 10 to 12 species of shark that constitute a single genus (family Squatinidae, order Squatiniformes) and characterized by flattened heads and bodies, with winglike pectoral and pelvic fins that make them resemble rays. The tail bears two dorsal fins and a well-developed caudal fin. The upper surface of the head features the eyes, behind each of which is a prominent spiracle. Five gill slits occur in front of the pectoral fins. The monkfish ranges up to 2.5 m (6.25 feet) in length.

      Monkfish are found in tropical and warm temperate waters of the continental shelf worldwide. One species that is often caught for food in European and Mediterranean waters is the angelfish or angel shark (Squatina squatina).

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