Identification
The blackbellied monkfish closely resembles the common monkfish but is distinguished by its black peritoneum (belly lining). Enormously flattened body with a massive head and wide mouth full of sharp teeth. The characteristic fishing rod fin (illicium) protrudes above the head as a lure. Reaches up to 100 cm, smaller than the common monkfish.
Ecology
Lives on sand and mud bottoms at 70 to 800 meters, averaging deeper than the common monkfish. An ambush predator that lies buried on the seabed, luring prey with its illicium.
In the Netherlands
Occasionally found in the deeper parts of the North Sea. Commercially traded identically to common monkfish.
