A sea raven, Hemitripterus americanus, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey, USA. Sea ravens may vary in color from blood red to reddish purple to yellow brown. Their belly is usually a shade of yellow. They have a large head and a stout, tapering body. Distinctive tabs of flesh hang from their head and lower jaw. A curious ragged layer of skin is also present on the first dorsal fin. Their pectoral fins are large and fan-like and they have a small tail fin. These fish have a broad mouth that is lined with several rows of very sharp teeth. Sea ravens often grow to be 18 to 20 inches in length.