Anglerfish typically inhabit deep ocean waters, with most species found at depths ranging from about 200 meters to as deep as 2,500 meters (approximately 650 to 8,200 feet)
. For example, the abyssal humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) is usually found between 200 and 2,000 meters deep but was recently observed near the surface, which is extremely rare
. Most deep-sea anglerfish live in the dark, cold environments of the deep sea, often nearly a mile below the surface, such as in the Atlantic and Antarctic oceans
. The depth range varies somewhat by species, but it is common for deep-sea anglerfish to dwell in very low-light or no-light conditions at great depths, where they use their bioluminescent lures to attract prey
. Some anglerfish can be found closer to the surface in shallower, warmer waters, but these are exceptions rather than the rule
. In summary, anglerfish generally live at depths from about 200 meters down to 2,500 meters, with most species adapted to the deep, dark ocean zones
