According to a mitochondrial genome phylogenetic study it has been found that the angler fishes have evolved in the Cretaceous period about 130 and 100 million years ago. Angler fishes have a unique mode of predation. They are characterized by the presence of a t least one long fleshy filament originating from the middle of the head. Truly speaking this filament is the detached and modified first three spines of the anterior dorsal fin. In most species the largest filament is the first spine also known as illicium. The first spine originates just above the eye of the fish and terminates into a fleshy prolongation. The spine is movable in all directions and the fleshy outgrowth also known as esca resembles a living animal and is used as bait for capturing prey. Some species of the bathypelagic zone emit light from the esca in order to attract a prey towards itself. Bioluminescence is possible in these fishes due to the symbiotic association with the bacteria. It is believed that the bacteria have entered esca through the sea water but the exact mechanism is unknown. More the population of the bacteria in the esca more bright light will be produced.
In most species the mouth is very wide which acquires almost the same circumference of the head when opened and is armed with bands of long and pointed teeth. The fishes are capable of extending their jaws and stomach to a size double than their original body size and due to this property they are able to feed on a large prey. Some benthic forms have arm-like pectoral fins which are used to walk on the ocean floor. All around the head and the entire body the skin gives out certain fringed appendages which resemble sea weed and are the means of camouflage. Some species are known to adopt unusual methods of mating. The males are much reduced in size and have been attached to the body of the female as parasite. At birth males have well-developed olfactory organs to detect scents in water. The sole function of male is to find a suitable mate for mating. They are very small in size as compared to the female and face difficulty in finding food at the bottom of sea. The growth of the alimentary canal of the males become stunted later on which prevents them from feeding. These features initiate the males to quickly find a mate before death. Olfactory organs help the male to detect the pheromones of the female easily.
After finding the female the male bites into her skin and release an enzyme which dissolves the skin of male as well as the female. The body of the male then atrophies fist losing the digestive system followed by brain, heart and eyes leaving only few pairs of gonads. The male then releases sperms into the female and due the action of hormones in the bloodstream of the female the eggs are released. This sort of sexual dimorphism ensures that the female is ready to spawn and a mate is always available for her to mate. Multiple mating has been observed in angler fishes. Eggs are laid in gelatinous material. They move freely in sea water. The larvae are free-swimming and have well-developed pelvic fins elongated into filaments. Some species have been endangered also and require attention.
Angler fishes are predaceous in habit and prey on a wide variety of organisms.
Many people think of the northern pike as a aggressive fish that attacks game fish and is seen as a monster. Well, this may be true, but the pike is often a target of just being the big fish in the lake. Yes, they eat other fish, what is so bad about that? The trout and other game fish people get upset with the northern pike, but I feel every fish for themselves. I am here to offer some advice to catch the monster water wolf.
Northern Pike fishing starts soon after ice out. You should use slightly smaller lures than you would in the summer, but still use larger baits that will get their attention. The key here is to start in the back bays that warm the fastest. Here you should be able to catch a few if you take my advice. Occasionally, you will see a trophy just sunning in the warm shallow water. Be careful, as they spook easily, and cast past the pike and reel toward him. Hopefully you will get a quick strike. Also, live large minnows or other bait fish work great early in the year when the pikes are not as active. I have caught a few big ones this way.
While this fish may not be appreciated as much as trout, bass, or crappie, it is still a great species in many peoples eyes. Give it a chance and instead of walleye fishing next time take a few casts for a big northern.
