Gallery: Absurd Creature of the Week: The Anglerfish and the Absolute Worst Sex on Earth

  • Image may contain Animal
    01

    Anglers-4-G

  • Image may contain Animal and Invertebrate
    London Natural History Museum
    02

    Linophryne-sp

    A *Linophryne brevibarbata* species of anglerfish. That attachment at the rear of her belly is not an appendage. It's a tiny male that has permanently fused to her. Had the pair not been caught, he would have lived the rest of his life like this, supplying sperm and pulling nourishment from her blood. *Photo copyright London Natural History Museum*
  • Image may contain Accessories Accessory Jewelry Ornament Gemstone and Agate
    03

    Anglers-4-J

    A female *Chaenophryne quasiramifera. Photo: Theodore W. Pietsch*
  • Image may contain Animal Water Aquatic and Fish
    Kevin Webb/NHM Image Resources
    04

    Anglerfish-007-300713

    A female *Caulophryne pelagica. Photo copyright London Natural History Museum*
  • Image may contain Plastic Wrap
    05

    Anglers-4-F

    A female *Bufoceratias shaoi. Photo: Hans Ho*
  • Image may contain Ornament Jewelry Accessories Accessory Gemstone Agate Animal Cat Mammal and Pet
    06

    Anglers-2-F

    *Photocorynus spiniceps.* Notice the male attached at top. *Photo: Theodore W. Pietsch*
  • Image may contain Bird and Animal
    07

    Anglers-4-I

    A female *Thaumatichthys binghami. Photo: Christopher P. Kenaley*
  • Image may contain Plastic Bag and Plastic Bag
    08

    Anglers-2-G

    A female *Haplophryne mollis. Photo: David Shale*
  • Image may contain Animal
    09

    Anglers-4-G

    A female *Melanocetus eustales. Photo: Theodore W. Pietsch*
  • Image may contain Animal Invertebrate and Sea Life
    10

    Anglers-3-C

    A female *Himantolophus appelii. Photo: Theodore W. Pietsch*
Read More
The Best Greens Powders for Drinking Your Veggies
I did the research and taste-testing to find the best greens powders worth your money. Bloom Nutrition’s Superfood Greens Powder is my tried-and-true pick.
Louryn Strampe
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
20 Best Gifts for Men, Manly Men, and Menly Man Men
When you need something that’s as mannishly masculinized as you can get for the Man™ in your life, we have you covered.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Drip Coffee Makers Now Rival Café Pour-Over
The old-fashioned drip coffee maker has come a long way. These impressive machines can turn your barista into a stranger.
Matthew Korfhage
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
I Tried 12 of the Most Popular Indoor Gardening Systems
Grow a backyard’s worth of greens and vegetables in your house with a vertical hydroponic garden. Here are a few that might be worth the investment.
Kat Merck
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Chris Haslam
In Praise of a Dumb House
Tech has been encroaching on the family domicile for years—but actor, writer, and satirist Jill Kargman is all in on analog.
Jill Kargman