Commerson's frogfish (Antennarius commerson)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Antennarius commerson
- Common name
- Commerson's frogfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Antennariidae
- Genus
- Antennarius
- Size
- 15–38 cm
- Depth
- 1–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator, cryptic
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific
Description
Antennarius commerson reaches 38 cm, the largest frogfish worldwide. Stocky imposing body with variable colors and patterns: yellow, orange, red, white, brown or black, often with paler spots, skin papillae and tubercles resembling sponges. Long thin cephalic lure with crustacean-shaped esca. Lives from 1 to 200 m on coral and rocky reefs of entire Indo-Pacific. Massive ambush predator consuming prey up to its own size. Iconic photo subject of Indo-Pacific dives for size and vivid colors.
Photo of Commerson's frogfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Commerson's frogfish?
- Commerson's frogfish (Antennarius commerson) reaches 15–38 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Commerson's frogfish?
- Commerson's frogfish is found between 1–200 m deep.
- Is the Commerson's frogfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Commerson's frogfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Commerson's frogfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Antennarius
- Antennarius pictus - Painted frogfish
- Antennarius striatus - Striated frogfish
- Antennarius avalonis - Roughjaw frogfish
- Antennarius sanguineus - Bloody frogfish
Other species in the family Antennariidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 217852)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 9688944)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia