Two Rare Sightings of Bright Red Chaunacops Anglerfish Deep in Micronesian Waters

While exploring deep-sea habitats in the Federated States of Micronesia, an ROV launched from the E/V Nautilus captured rare footage of two separate Chaunacops anglerfish, also known as coffinfish. These vivid fish are known for their distinctive bright red color, round bodies, and frowny faces.

While exploring the deep-sea in the Federated States of Micronesia, our Corps of Exploration found two specimens of one of our favorite fish: the Chaunacops sp.! Chaunacops is a genus of anglerfish easily recognizable by their round bodies, pink hue, and frowny faces.

Like others of their genus, these vivid anglerfish use their distinctive lure to attract prey in the dark depths. They also have modified pelvic fins that help them move along the ocean floor.

Also known as frogfish or coffin fish, they have a fluffy lure that appears as small white dots in the middle of their foreheads. … Both encounters gave us a chance to check out the modified pelvic fins these anglerfish perch upon to patiently lure their prey on the seafloor