The viperfish is one of the fiercest predators of the deep. It's scientific
name is Chauliodus sloani. The viperfish's name comes from its fang
resemblance to the Viper Snake. The viperfish, which typically grows to at least
a foot long, has a very large mouth, which opens very widely but is not big
enough to contain the fish's long teeth. The viperfish is also bioluminescent, with
photophores light-emitting organs on its dorsal fin and along its body to lure its
prey to it. The fish has been observed hovering in place in the water with its
dorsal fin curved around so that its photophore is waving near its mouth, as a
means of drawing prey. Because the viperfish's body is dark blue or black in
color, it is thought that other fish can see no part of it other than its lights.
The viperfish uses swimming for locomotion. It has been known to impale
its victims on its teeth by swimming toward them, while using its first vertebra as
a shock......
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