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Anglerfish (Antennarius hispidus) — Antennariidae

Anglerfish

Antennarius hispidus
Family: Antennariidae
LC · Least Concern

The Anglerfish (Antennarius hispidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–90.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The shaggy frogfish is a frogfish (Antennariidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a globular body covered with skin appendages that camouflage it as a growth-covered rock or sponge, and modified pectoral fins with which it 'walks' over the bottom. It inhabits still, muddy deeper or offshore habitats and shallow rock and coral reefs. With a 'rod' (modified dorsal fin ray) bearing a lure it draws prey within reach and then swallows fishes and crustaceans in a flash. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Anglerfish?

The Anglerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Anglerfish live?

The Anglerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Anglerfish get?

The Anglerfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Anglerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Anglerfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Anglerfish edible?

The Anglerfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ruige hengelaarsvis sourced
English name
Anglerfish verified
Scientific name
Antennarius hispidus
Family
Antennariidae
Other names
Fishing frog; Frog fish; Hispid frogfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
90.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Antennarius

More from the family Antennariidae

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