Goosefish or monkfish (Lophius americanus) is found in the western Atlantic from eastern Canada south to the Carolinas and then rarely to northern Florida. In southern waters this fish prefers deeper waters. This fish can grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to about 50 pounds. This is a rather flat bodied fish that lays on the bottom. There is an unusual spine at the front of the head that dangles a lure in front of the mouth. This fish can feed by quickly opening its mouth and letting suction draw in the meal. There are records of larger examples catching and eating diving ducks.

The Lophius genus contains but 7 species. The monk fish as they are sometimes called are found in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They appear absent from the Pacific Ocean. These fish are unusual with their soft bones and large mouths.

The goosefishes (Family Lophiidae) are marine species found in both tropical and temperate oceans. There are about 10-14 species in this family. Several species are considered good eating.

Angler fish, Order Lophiiformes, contains a group of marine fish such as the Batfish, Frogfish, and the Angler fish. In this order many kinds have a "lure" on their dorsal fin which attracts unwary fish to the vicinity.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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