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Flagpole frogfish (Antennarius multiocellatus) — Antennariidae

Flagpole frogfish

Antennarius multiocellatus
Family: Antennariidae
LC · Least Concern

The Flagpole frogfish (Antennarius multiocellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–66.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The longlure frogfish is an anglerfish of the family Antennariidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, irregular body whose colour matches the dominant sponge in the area; the eyespots (ocelli) resemble openings in a sponge. It is a voracious ambush predator that lures prey with a modified, rod-like dorsal-fin ray and mainly takes fishes and crustaceans. The fish barely moves and relies entirely on camouflage. The longlure frogfish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flagpole frogfish?

The Flagpole frogfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Flagpole frogfish live?

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

How big does the Flagpole frogfish get?

The Flagpole frogfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Flagpole frogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Flagpole frogfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Flagpole frogfish edible?

The Flagpole frogfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Veeloog-hengelaarsvis sourced
English name
Flagpole frogfish verified
Scientific name
Antennarius multiocellatus
Family
Antennariidae
Other names
Longlure frogfish; Longlure Frogfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin 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)
66.0 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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