One of the odd creatures in the sea is the Angler Fish, which is found in the waters near Java and Malaysia in the Far East. There are sixteen known species of this fish. Most of them are less than a foot long, but some are as long as five feet.
All species of this fish have wide, frog-like mouths, which is the reason they are often called Frog Fish. Their mouths are filled with long, sharp teeth and can stretch many times their normal size, so that they can swallow fish as large as themselves. These fish are found in a wide variety of shapes, but most have a flat, ball of a head with their body tapering down to a small tail. One kind partly buries itself in the sandy or muddy bottom of the ocean and looks just like the brown rocks surrounding it. Others have leaf-like fins protruding and look exactly like sea plants. In each case the Creator has wonderfully camouflaged them to blend in with their surroundings.
But the most outstanding feature of these sea residents is that they come equipped with an efficient fishing rod and bait, and are experts at using them. The “rod” is actually a growth extending from the spine, which comes from the top of the body and may be as much as four times the length of the fish. The longest rods are usually hinged in the middle to make them more flexible.
A rod without suitable bait would not catch many fish, but these rods are already “baited” with a very appealing bait right at the tip. Depending on the species, this bait (which is a fleshy part of the Angler Fish) may look like a worm, a little fish, or a different kind of sea life that will attract a hungry fish.
The well-disguised Angler Fish unfolds its rod which, when not in use, lies on its back or on top of its head. The rod with its bait is “fished” ahead while the fish remains nearly motionless. Using the bait, just like a human fisherman does to attract fish to his line, the Angler wiggles it or causes it to “swim” about until a curious fish comes to inspect what looks like a good meal. The victim discovers too late that it has been trapped. The Angler Fish, with a strong sucking action, draws its victim in a flood of water into its mouth and swallows it faster than the human eye can follow. Sometimes the bait is swallowed as well, but this does not matter, because the Angler Fish quickly grows a replacement for the next fishing expedition.
This clever fish is another evidence of the wonders of God’s creation and the care He gives to all. It also reminds us of our enemy Satan, who seeks “whom he may devour” and often tempts us with “bait” that is pleasing to the eye. How wise it is to turn away from him, and listen to the loving Lord Jesus whose plan for us is one “of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:1111For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11). Is He your own Saviour?
ML-10/17/1982