Antennarius commerson
31cm
0-70m
13 sites
Giant Frogfish are masters of disguise, but a few key features can give them away. Look for a globulous, lumpy body shape, often covered in fleshy appendages that enhance their camouflage. Their most distinctive feature is the illicium, a modified dorsal fin spine that acts as a fishing lure, dangling in front of their mouth to attract unsuspecting prey. Colouration is highly variable, ranging from white, yellow, orange, red, brown, grey and black, and often matches their surroundings perfectly. Keep an eye out for their relatively small, upturned mouths and their pectoral fins, which are modified into leg-like structures used for 'walking' along the seafloor.
Antennariidae
Get ready for a treasure hunt! The Giant Frogfish (Antennarius commerson) is a master of disguise and a sought-after sighting for divers and snorkelers alike. These ambush predators blend seamlessly into their reef environment, using incredible camouflage to resemble sponges, rocks, or even clumps of algae. Spotting one requires a keen eye and a bit of luck, but the reward is well worth the effort. Typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, from Japan and Korea to Southeast Asia, Southern Australia, and the South Pacific, they prefer reef habitats and can be found from the surface down to depths of 70 meters. Keep your eyes peeled around coral heads, crevices, and even discarded debris – you never know where a Giant Frogfish might be lurking!
Painted Frogfish
1 sites
