SMRTR Science & EngineeringApr 20, 2026Nautilus

A Brief History of the Bizarre-Looking Anglerfish

SMRTR summary

Anglerfish evolved their signature luring appendages around 72 million years ago, starting with simple mechanical structures to attract prey before developing bioluminescent lures 34-23 million years ago as they moved to deeper waters. These glowing lures not only attracted food but also potential mates, sparking an explosion in anglerfish diversity and leading some species to develop chemical warfare tactics.

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