Antennarius striatus
17cm
10-219m
118 sites
Antennariidae
Imagine discovering a living piece of art on the reef – that's the Striate Anglerfish! These masters of disguise are a rare and exciting find for any diver or snorkeller lucky enough to spot one. Also known as the Hairy Frogfish, they're not exactly streamlined swimmers; instead, they prefer to ambush their prey. Their incredible camouflage, blending seamlessly with sponges and algae, makes them tricky to find. Keep your eyes peeled in reef environments, especially around colourful sponges and soft corals. While they can be found from relatively shallow depths, they are more common in deeper waters. Spotting one is a real treat!
Striate Anglerfish are masters of disguise, but a few key features can help you spot them. Look for a globose, frog-like body covered in fleshy filaments and skin flaps, giving them a 'hairy' appearance. Their colouration is highly variable, ranging from white and yellow to orange, pink, brown, and even black, often matching their surroundings. They possess a modified dorsal fin spine that acts as a fishing lure (the 'esca'), often held above their head or wiggled to attract unsuspecting prey. Keep an eye out for their small, upward-facing mouth, perfectly adapted for quickly engulfing prey.
Painted Frogfish
1 sites
