Frogfishes - Weird and colorful sea residents Print E-mail

Monday, 23 February 2009 21:00

They are generally small fish, less than 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) in length, with large globose heads. They can be distinguished from other anglerfish by the three extended dorsal fin spines on their heads. The first dorsal spine is modified as a fishing lure to attract prey.

The lure consists of the illicium (the spine) and the esca (the bait), and may resemble a worm, crustacean, or small fish.

Frogfishes do not swim in the conventional way; instead, they "walk" on their pectoral fins or use 'jet propulsion' (forcefully expelling water from the small opercular opening generally behind and below the pectoral fins).

There are 45 species of frogfishes. We will here present photos of some most interesting species.

Antennarius avalonis (Roughbar frogfish) is one of
the largest frogfishes and lives in the Eastern Pacific.


Copyright Salvador Garcia, Baja California, Mexico

Antennarius bermudensis (Island frogfish) is a small frogfish
and only lives in the Western Atlantic so it is found infrequently
by divers.


Copyright: Ellen Muller (Bonaire)

Antennarius coccineus (Freckled or Scarlet frogfish) is quite
common but likes to hide in reef crevices.


Copyright: Teresa Zubi, Bali, Indonesia

Antennarius commerson (Giant frogfish) is one of the largest
frogfishes (30 cm) and well known to scientists and easily found
by divers. But because of the perfect camouflage and the many
different colours it is still often very difficult to discover.

1st photo - Copyright: Peter Schmutz- Fotograf
2nd photo - Copyright: Teresa Zubi, Bali, Indonesia

Antennarius hispidus (Hispid or Shaggy Frogfish) This frogfish is
sometimes mistaken for a hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus),
but that frogfish has an esca (lure, bait) that lookes like a worm.

Copyright: Teresa Zubi, Bali, Indonesia

Antennarius maculatus (Warty or Clown frogfish) is a very
attractive frogfish with nice colours. The large lure can be
recognized easily and this frogfish is often seen luring. It is
rather a small frogfish but within its range quite common and
often seen by divers.

1st photo - Copyright: Mike Miller
2nd photo - Copyright: Teresa Zubi, Bali, Indonesia

Antennarius multiocellatus (Longlure or Flagpole Frogfish) is
quite well known in the area it lives (mostly Western Atlantic).
An attractive frogfish with nice spots and a very long lure.

Photo: Ellen Muller, Bonaire

Antennarius ocellatus (Ocellated frogfish) is the largest frogfish
(38cm) but lives only in the West Atlantic (Caribbean). A frogfish
with very large ocelli.

Photo: Ellen Muller, Bonaire

Antennarius striatus (Striped, Striated, Splitlure, Zebra or Hairy
frogfish) is a singulary interesting frogfish, mainly because of its
large and well visible worm-like lure which it likes to move a lot.
Because of its perfect camouflage it is not that easy to find though.

Copyright: Teresa Zubi, Bali, Indonesia

 

Last Updated ( Monday, 23 February 2009 21:26 )