The female anglerfish's shiny lure may be as irresistible to her lovers as it is to her prey

https://i.cbc.ca/ais/996db739-7df2-46db-ae03-976ca73803b7,1776719848701/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C875%2C4000%2C2250%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29" title="Diceratias pileatus, a deepea anglerfish, produces bioluminescence in its lure, a.k.a. esca, to attract prey — and potentially mates." width="620" />

Scientists have long known that deepsea female anglerfish use their glowing lures to draw in unwitting prey.

Now, a new study posits the appendage may have an additional function — as a beacon for lonely little males, looking for love in the dark abyss.