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Anglerfish

Humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii), a species of black seadevil (Melanocetidae). From August Brauer (1863–1917): Die Tiefsee-Fische. I. Systematischer Teil.. In C. Chun. Wissenschaftl. Ergebnisse der deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition 'Valdivia', 1898-99, 1906 Anglerfish
Humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii), a species of black seadevil (Melanocetidae). From August Brauer (1863–1917): Die Tiefsee-Fische. I. Systematischer Teil.. In C. Chun. Wissenschaftl. Ergebnisse der deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition ‘Valdivia’, 1898-99, 1906

Anglerfishes are fishes that live in the deepest part of the sea. The feed on plankton and unfortunate fishes that wander too close of their ‘lure’.

This fish is dark brown, about 2 feet is length, and as multiple fins dorsal fins. Its jaw is filled with sharp fangs and its small eyes are pitch black. A fleshy proboscis protrudes from the fish’s forehead, ending in a bloated mass that seem to light.

Anglerfishes are sexually dimorphic. The stats are those of the female, as the male is much smaller and incapable of fight. As soon as a male hatches, it finds a mate and literally merges with the female, fathering the eggs in the process.

Originally Posted by JiCi of the Wizards Community forums.

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Anglerfish
Tiny Animal
HD1d8+1 (5 hp)
Initiative+3
SpeedSwim 30 ft.
Armor Class17 (+2 size, +3 Dexterity, +2 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple+0/-9
AttackBite +5 melee (1d4-1)
Full AttackBite +5 melee (1d4-1)
Space/Reach2-1/2 ft./ 0 ft.
Special AttacksImproved grab, swallow whole
Special QualitiesBioluminescence, Low-Light VisionScent
SavesFort +3, Ref +5, Will +1
AbilitiesStrength 8, Dexterity 16, Constitution 13, Intelligence 1, Wisdom 12, Charisma 2
SkillsListen +5, Spot +5
FeatsWeapon Finesse
EnvironmentAny deep aquatic
OrganizationSolitary, pair or school (3-10)
Challenge Rating1
TreasureNone
AlignmentAlways neutral
Advancement2-4 HD (Tiny)
Level Adjustment

Combat

Anglerfishes use their illumined lure to catch preys. Their mouths and stomachs are highly flexible, allowing them to swallow creatures larger than themselves.

  • Bioluminescence (Ex): The anglerfish’s lure produce a faint glow that lights in a 5-foot radius. The anglerfish can suppress and activate the light as a free action.
  • Improved Grab (Ex) : To use this ability, an anglerfish must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can try to swallow.
  • Swallow Whole (Ex) : An anglerfish can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of Small or smaller size by making a successful grapple check. Once inside, the opponent takes 1d6 points of crushing damage plus 1d6 points of acid damage per round from the anglerfish’s digestive juices. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by dealing 2 points of damage to the anglerfish’s digestive tract (AC 12). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed opponent must cut its own way out.
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