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.