Giant frogfish

Distribution : In the Maldives and Indian Ocean. Also found in the Red Sea. Also found in the tropical Pacific.

Marine region

A butterfly’s antenna above a fish’s mouth. According to Lacépède, that was the image that came to mind when naturalist Philibert Commerson saw the slender thread with a knob at its tip. On the reef, the giant frogfish can sit motionless on a sponge with only that tiny lure moving in front of its mouth.

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Habitat

Coral reef, Rocky habitat

Depth

0-100 m

Group

Role

Predator

Size

Up to 38 cm

Good to know

Observe without touching or feeding animals and keep clear of the coral.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The giant frogfish (Antennarius commerson) has a stocky body and very large mouth. The pectorals, the side fins, resemble legs. The first dorsal spine, on the back, forms a long stalk with a tufted tip; the next two form bumps. Colours vary greatly.

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WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
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