A predatory benthic fish. Found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Prefers muddy, soft substrates and overgrown areas where it lies motionless on the bottom, waiting for prey. Usually prefers a depth of 50-200 m, but can sink to 3500 m. It is a commercial fish. The body of fish is brown, sometimes greenish or reddish with brownish spots, compressed from above. The belly is light coloured. Instead of scales, there are separately located bony protuberances and tubercles. Flat and wide head with small eyes occupies most of the fish. The mouth is large, with small and sharp teeth, the lower jaw protruding forward. Around the mouth are loosely hanging pieces of skin that help camouflage themselves on the bottom. A distinctive feature is the "rod" on the head, which is a transformed ray of dorsal fin. At the end of the "rod" is a bifurcated protuberance that attracts prey. The female is much larger than the male, reaching a weight of 60 kg and a length of about 2 metres.