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In situ behaviour of anglerfish Lophius piscatorius was observed by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the vicinity of the Schiehallion oil field to the west of the Shetland Isles, Scotland at water depths c. 350 m. Several behaviour patterns associated with the 'sit-and-wait' feeding strategy of L. piscatorius were identified and are described. Concealment behaviour was characterized by recess creation using pectoral and pelvic fins. Sit-and-wait and resting behaviour was typified by relaxed dorsal fin rays and a 34 s exhalation rate. Prey detection responses had a range of c. 5 m and were identified by erection of the fin rays and a reduction in the exhalation rate to once every 65 s. Prey attraction was characterized by lure (illicia) casting, erect dorsal rays and was dependant on both the proximity and position of potential prey. An opportunistic feeding attack is also described. Walking behaviour was also recorded and is described. # 2004 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles

The diet of anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius), based on the analysis of stomach contents, was investigated in the Shetland Islands. Samples were obtained during trawling for sandeel (Ammodytidae species) and demersal trawling when mainly whitefish (gadoids) are targeted. This allowed the diets of samples collected from different areas and at different times to be compared. The diets in different length groups were also compared and niche breadth investigated.A wide range of prey types, mainly fish, were recorded but the main prey was Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii) and lesser sandeel (Ammodytes marinus). Diet composition varied seasonally. In samples collected during whitefish trawling the occurrence of empty stomachs decreased from the first to the third quarters and generally increased with increasing anglerfish size. Empty stomachs occurred less frequently in samples collected from areas where sandeel fishing occurred compared to areas where whitefish trawling occurred.

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