Some suggestions are that it got its name from the cowl-like appearance similar to those worn by monks. But of course, others have better explanations of the fish's name. Some time ago, monks used to go to docks and ports to ask fishermen for fish they were going to discard.

Why is monkfish called that?

The term monkfish has also been used for a sea monster of the north-west Atlantic bearing a passing resemblance to a monk (also known as a sea monk).

Why should you not eat monkfish?

May 25, 2007 -- The FDA today warned consumers not to buy or eat monkfish because it may actually be puffer fish containing a potentially lethal toxin called tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin isn't destroyed by cooking, freezing, or other common methods of food preparation. ...