Viper fish is a Mesopelagic type fish usually found at 250-5000 feet during the day and in shallower waters at night. And are one of the most wicked looking fishes out there. Thank God their not in shallow waters. They are usually between the colors of black, green, and silverl, and have light organs which are called photophores. These organs form a chemical process called bioluminescence. Their eyes are enlarged to basically see in the dark. Wether there is a really small amount of light, or no light at all it can see whats coming. It has long needle like teeth that are tranparent with a hinged jaw. Meaning eat could swallow anything if not the same size as it, bigger than it.
It lures its prey in by using its light organ which is located at the tip of its dorsal spine. It moves this spine around like a fishing rod, while it flashes its light organ off and on. The prey gets attracted to this light thinking its a meal. Not knowing who is about to become the meal. It also uses this light organ to communicate with rivals and mates.
No one has this fish in captivity for it has never lived longer than a few hours while under captivity. But they are believed to live 15 to 30 years and are able to go on with no food for long periods of time. They say some species of sharks and dolphins actually feed on viperfish. I find that hard to believe.
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