Bluemouth
Helicolenus dactylopterus
Habitat: Rocky reef and sea bed
Depth: 150-600m
Food: Crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs and small fish
Length: Up to 45cm
Lifespan: 40 years
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Related to scorpion fish, the bluemouth has a large spiny head and a spiny dorsal fin. Living in deep water, it has large eyes and is usually a dark red colour. The inside of its mouth is dark coloured, hence its name. An ambush predator, the bluemouth waits until prey comes within striking distance then pounces with a burst of speed, taking anything that will fit in its mouth.