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Big-eyed frogfish (Fowlerichthys radiosus) — Antennariidae

Big-eyed frogfish

Fowlerichthys radiosus
Family: Antennariidae
LC · Least Concern

The Big-eyed frogfish (Fowlerichthys radiosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20–275 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic, on offshore banks and deeper shelf waters.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The singlespot frogfish is an anglerfish (family Antennariidae) of the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 9 cm and has a stocky, irregularly shaped, brownish body with rough skin and a large, upward-directed mouth. It inhabits offshore banks and deeper shelf waters. As an ambush predator it lures prey with a rod-like lure (illicium) derived from the first dorsal spine, then engulfs fishes and crustaceans in a fraction of a second. With its leg-like pectoral fins it can 'walk' over the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Big-eyed frogfish?

The Big-eyed frogfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Lures prey with a rod-like lure (illicium); can walk over the bottom on its pectoral fins.

Where does the Big-eyed frogfish live?

The Big-eyed frogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, on offshore banks and deeper shelf waters.

How big does the Big-eyed frogfish get?

The Big-eyed frogfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Big-eyed frogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Big-eyed frogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Big-eyed frogfish edible?

The Big-eyed frogfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Big-eyed frogfish verified
Scientific name
Fowlerichthys radiosus
Family
Antennariidae
Other names
Frogfish; Singlespot frogfish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20 verified
Max depth (m)
275 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic, on offshore banks and deeper shelf waters.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Lures prey with a rod-like lure (illicium); can walk over the bottom on its pectoral fins. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Fowlerichthys

More from the family Antennariidae

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