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Longspine African angler

Lophiodes kempi

Longspine African angler© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Longspine African angler (Lophiodes kempi) is a deep-sea anglerfish found off the western coast of Africa. Reaching up to 40 cm, it uses a bioluminescent lure to attract prey and is prized by niche deep-sea anglers for its unique appearance.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Lophiidae

Max Size

40 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

50-400m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year, with peaks in summer months (June-August) when offshore currents bring more prey

Best Time

Nighttime, when the lure's bioluminescence is most effective

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Longspine African angler

  • Use a heavy-action deep-sea rod with a strong backbone to handle sudden bursts
  • Employ glow-in-the-dark jigs or LED-bait rigs that mimic the fish's natural lure
  • Fish near the bottom on the continental slope at depths of 300-800 m and let the bait sit motionless for several minutes
  • Retrieve slowly with occasional gentle lifts to trigger strikes from curious prey

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Longspine African angler

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy-action deep-sea rod, 7-8 ft
Line80-200 lb test braided line
Lure TypeGlow-in-the-dark jigs or soft plastics with built-in LED
TechniqueBottom jigging with a slow lift-retrieve; allow the lure to hover near the seabed

Best bait: Fresh squid, small cut fish, or glow-bait rigs