I Caught What?! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Atlantic wolffish

Quite a scary-looking fish, isn't it? It is, however, only dangerous to humans when it is out of the water and defending itself. The unique body helps to make it possible to live in a cold habitat; it produces a type of natural antifreeze which enables the blood to keep moving.

Its status in 2015 was as a "Species of Concern". Wolffish numbers are on the decline because of overfishing and bycatch.

Answer: Ocean sunfish

Feeding mainly on jellyfish, the flat ocean sunfish, which enjoys sunbathing at the surface of the water, can be about as tall as it is long. Because it has such a poor diet, the sunfish eats quite a bit to maintain its size. Specimens that measure 10.5 feet tall have been found. It is considered a delicacy in parts of Asia.

Answer: Lumpsucker fish

The lumpsucker's name comes from the fact that it has suckers which it uses to adhere to the rocks around which it lives; because he is a poor swimmer, he prefers to stay near the rocks which help with camouflage. Important in the fishing industry of Iceland, the meat of this fish is quite popular in Scandinavia, and the roe is considered to be an acceptable alternative to caviar.

Answer: Goblin Shark

Very little is known about the goblin shark; specimens that have been found alive did not live long in captivity. Because it lives in depths lower than 330 feet, it is not considered to be a threat to humans. Found in the waters of Japan from time to time, the meat is not actively sought, however, collectors may be interested in purchasing its jaws.

Answer: Batfish

The batfish, a bottom dweller, is found in the Pacific Ocean near the Galapagos Islands and south to Peru. It is believed that the red-lips are used to help identify same-species fish while spawning. Eating other small fish, shrimp, and mollusks, the batfish is not considered dangerous to humans.

Answer: Anglerfish

The anglerfish will wiggle the esca from which its illicium protrudes to attract prey, however, not all anglerfish emit light. When it ventures close enough, the anglerfish will eat the prey whole. Found all over the world, the tail meat of some species is said to resemble lobster; other species are considered to be a delicacy.

Answer: Hatchet fish

A deep-sea fish, the hatchet fish has bioluminescent photophores that allow it to escape from predators. The fish has light-producing organs along its belly; called counterillumination, this produces light that matches the illuminated background, providing camouflage. There are approximately forty-five species of hatchet fish that range in size from one to six inches.

Answer: Blobfish

Found in the waters around Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, the blobfish floats more than swims. For food, it swallows anything that is edible that floats in front of it. Actually, it is believed that blobfish only look like blobs out of the water. Because it lives in great depths, it is rarely photographed in the wild.

Answer: Snakehead fish

Having no natural enemies makes the snakehead fish a dangerous invasive species. Called "Fishzilla" by "National Geographic", a single female snakehead, when reaching maturity, can produce up to 150,000 eggs every two years! The snakehead fish can live up to four days on land, as long as it is wet.

In some parts of the world they are considered a delicacy, while owning or breeding them is outlawed in other areas.

Answer: Moray Eel

Morays are actually shy, timid creatures, and are rarely dangerous to humans if left alone. In the Great Barrier Reef hand feeding is banned; the moray will take the food from divers, but due to poor eyesight, will often mistake the hand of the diver as part of the offering! The bite of the moray is especially painful, and it is uncertain as to whether or not it is poisonous. Because the moray eats certain types of toxic algae, it can cause ciguatera fish poisoning if eaten.