Sea Raven
(Hermitripterus americanus)



    The sea raven has fleshy tabs on its chin, on the top of its head and on the tip of each of its dorsal spines. Its first dorsal fin looks ragged and the membrane between its spines is notched. The sea raven has prickly skin and can inflate its belly.  The fins of the sea raven mimic seaweed which helps them blend in with their environment.  When the sea raven is taken out of the water, it will puff up and will not be able to submerge when it is put back in the water. It is found from Labrador to Chesapeake Bay and up to about 180 m in depth. The sea raven can reach around 64 cm long and can weigh about 6.8 pounds.