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Dwarf Frogfish (Antennarius pauciradiatus) — Antennariidae

Dwarf Frogfish

Antennarius pauciradiatus
Family: Antennariidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf Frogfish (Antennarius pauciradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
6.0–73.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf frogfish is the smallest anglerfish (Antennariidae) of the western Atlantic; it grows to only a few centimetres. The species has a globose, scaleless body with skin that adapts in colour to its surroundings, and on the head an elongated first dorsal fin ray with a lure with which it attracts prey. It occurs mainly near reef and rock patches and is relatively uncommon. As an ambush hunter it catches small fishes and crustaceans with an explosive suction strike. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf Frogfish?

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

Where does the Dwarf Frogfish live?

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

How big does the Dwarf Frogfish get?

The Dwarf Frogfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Dwarf Frogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf Frogfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf Frogfish edible?

The Dwarf Frogfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-hengelaarsvis sourced
English name
Dwarf Frogfish verified
Scientific name
Antennarius pauciradiatus
Family
Antennariidae
Other names
Dwarf frogfish; Smallspot frogfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.3 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
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Max depth (m)
73.0 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
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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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