What distinctive feature, sometimes tipped with a lure, extends from the chin of some deep-sea dragonfish species?
Answer
Barbel
A key characteristic distinguishing many deep-sea dragonfish species is the presence of a barbel that extends downward from the chin region of the fish. This structure is often utilized as a sophisticated hunting tool; in some species, this barbel is tipped with a luminous lure. This bioluminescent tip functions to tempt unwary prey in the absolute blackness of their habitat, drawing victims close enough for the predator to strike. The barbel itself is the physical appendage from which this tempting light source originates.
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