Anglers 2/3

Related Articles: Fishes with A Lure by Bob Fenner
Batfishes, family Ogcocephalidae, Indonesian Angler/Frogfishes,

/The Conscientious Marine Aquarist

The Bizarre Frogfishes, Anglerfishes, Order Lophiiformes/Antennariiformes

Part 2 of 3

By Bob Fenner

Antennarius hispidus (Bloch & Schneider 1801), the Hairy or Shaggy Anglerfish. Indo-Pacific; particularly Malaysia, Indonesia. To eight inches in length. Coastal bays near camouflaging sponges. Occur in oranges, tans, yellows, and apparently black. N. Sulawesi images. You can tell this species apart from the similar A. striatus by its pom-pom like esca.

Antennarius maculatus (Desjardin's 1840), the Clown Anglerfish. Indo-Pacific. To four inches in length. Often seen out in the open, especially when small, apparently mimicking toxic nudibranchs. Most are white with orange or red mottling, but many colors exist. Have prominent illicia ("fishing poles") that resemble small fishes. N. Sulawesi pix of half, full and one and a half inch individuals.


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Antennarius multiocellatus (Valenciennes 1837), the Long-lure Anglerfish. Tropical West Atlantic; Florida to northern South America. Most common frogfish in the TWA, found disguised around sponges. Fishing rod (illicium) about twice the length of first dorsal spine. Feed on fishes and crustaceans. Eggs laid in ribbon like masses. Here are two colored varieties in Bonaire.


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To: Part 1, Part 3

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