Monkfish

Lophius americanus

Least Concern Saltwater

Max Length

120.0 cm

Max Weight

27.0 kg

Color

Brown to grayish-brown dorsal surface …

Depth Range

0-800m

Family

Lamnidae

About

The monkfish, or goosefish, is a benthic ambush predator with a comically large head and mouth. Once considered trash fish, its tail meat is now dubbed 'poor man's lobster' for its firm, sweet texture. It lures prey with a modified dorsal spine.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	120.0 cm
Maximum Weight	27.0 kg
Depth Range	0-800m

Coloration

Brown to grayish-brown dorsal surface with mottled pale blotches and dark marbling for benthic camouflage; fringed flap edges break up the body outline; belly pale white; enormous gaping mouth lined with dark edges.

Habitat & Distribution

Atlantic and Pacific shelves at 50-1000m depth over soft muddy substrates. Lies motionless on the seafloor to ambush prey. Found on both sides of the North Atlantic from Newfoundland to Florida.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-800m

Geographic Range

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Monkfish is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Firm, dense white tail meat with a mild, subtly sweet flavor often compared to lobster; very low fat. A high-end restaurant staple — roasted, pan-seared, or wrapped in prosciutto.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Taxonomy

Order	Lamniformes (Mackerel sharks)
Family	Lamnidae (Mackerel sharks)
Species	Lophius americanus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Baudroie d'Amérique
Spanish	Rape americano

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Monkfish?

Firm, dense white tail meat with a mild, subtly sweet flavor often compared to lobster; very low fat. A high-end restaurant staple — roasted, pan-seared, or wrapped in prosciutto.

How big does Monkfish get?

Monkfish can grow up to 120.0 cm long and weigh 27.0 kg.

Where is Monkfish found?

Western North Atlantic from Newfoundland and the Grand Banks south to Brazil. Lies camouflaged on sandy and muddy seafloor of the Continental Shelf and upper Slope, ranging from the surf zone to 670 m depth. Atlantic and Pacific shelves at 50-1000m depth over soft muddy substrates. Lies motionless on the seafloor to ambush prey. Found on both sides of the North Atlantic from Newfoundland to Florida.

Is Monkfish endangered?

The conservation status of Monkfish is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Monkfish belong to?

Monkfish (Lophius americanus) belongs to the family Lamnidae (Mackerel sharks) in the order Lamniformes (Mackerel sharks).