Fin's Fish Guide
The Three-spined frogfish (Batrachomoeus trispinosus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 31 cm.
Asia: Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and others
Description
The three-spined frogfish is a toadfish (Batrachoididae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, broad-headed, brown-mottled body with skin flaps, strongly camouflaged on the bottom. As an ambush predator it lies motionless on sand and mud bottoms and in burrows and engulfs passing prey; males make humming calls. The dorsal and gill-cover spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Three-spined frogfish?
The Three-spined frogfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Three-spined frogfish live?
The Three-spined frogfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and others
How big does the Three-spined frogfish get?
The Three-spined frogfish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Three-spined frogfish dangerous to humans?
The Three-spined frogfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
Is the Three-spined frogfish edible?
Yes, the Three-spined frogfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Batrachomoeus
More from the family Batrachoididae
Want the complete picture on the Three-spined frogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Three-spined frogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.