Frogfish Field Guide

Giant Frogfish - Antennarius commersonii.

As the name suggests this species is one of the largest, if not the largest of Frogfish, growing up to 33cm. They are one of the most commonly encountered by divers. Able to change coloration very quickly to match their surroundings the fish shown in the first and second image is the same creature, photographed two years apart.

Photographed Maldives

Photographed Kapalai

Photographed Maldives

Photographed Sipadan

Photographed South China Sea

Photographed Semporna

Photographed South China Sea

Gill holes are located just behind the hind pectoral feet. Photo SCS

Photographed Maldives

Photographed South China Sea

Photographed Mabul

Photographed South China Sea

Photographed Kapalai

Frogfish Field Guide

ORDER: LOPHIIFORMES Family: Antennariidae - Anglerfish or Frogfish.

Painted Frogfish - Antennarius pictus

Another commonly encountered species throughout the tropics and similar to the Giant Frogfish, although slightly smaller, growing up to 15cm with some fin, rod and lure differences.

Photographed Kapalai

Photographed South China Sea

Photographed Kapalai

Clown Frogfish - Antennarius maculatus

Sometimes referred to as the Warty Frogfish. They are less common and highly prized amoung underwater photographers, often displaying wonderful coloration. A relatively small species with adults reaching up to 10cm in size. The juvenile of this species is similar to the juvenile Painted Frogfish, however we can differentiate them from the shape of their lure.

Photographed Maldives

Photographed Kapalai

Photographed Kapalai this tiny individual is only 1cm long

Photographed Kapalai

Kapalai Tentatively discribed as a Clown due to fin shape and lure

Photographed Mabul

Shaggy Frogfish - Antennarius hispidus

Extremely cryptic with algal growth perfectly matching it surroundings. With adults growing to approx. 15cm, this is a relatively small frogfish.

Photographed Mabul

Different Species Illicium (Rod) and Lure.

When identifying Frogfish the most important distinguishing factor is their Illicium (Rod) and the lure that sits on the tip.

The Lure of the Clown Frogfish resembles a bunch of worms.

The Lure of the Giant Frogfish

The Lure of the Shaggy Frogfish

The Illicium (rod) of the Marble Mouthed Frogfish is thin and twig like with no visable lure.

The Lure of the Painted Frogfish is feather like.

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Marble Mouthed Frogfish - Lophiocharon lithinostomus

Considered to be a rare species, known only to North Borneo and neighboring areas of the Philippines. Inhabiting brackish water they are extremely cryptic with texture and coloration perfectly matching their environment, they appear lifeless and even when pointed out they are very hard to see. Their Illicium (rod) is twig like and over twice the length of the first dorsal fin. Adults grow to a maximum size of 10cm.

Photographed South China Sea

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