Antennarius hispidus, Shaggy Angler
The scientific name of this fish species is Antennarius hispidus, also known as the Hispid Frogfish or Shaggy Frogfish in English. This species was first described by Bloch and Schneider in 1801. The genus name Antennarius is derived from the Latin word “antenna”, which refers to the sensory organs that these fish use to explore their environment. The species name hispidus means “rough” or “spiny”, which refers to the rough skin of the fish, which is covered with spines.
Synonyms: Lophius hispidus, Chironectes hispidus.
Description
Antennarius hispidus has a unique body shape that resembles a spherical, flattened fish with a broad head. The color of the head and flanks range from light brown to dark brown, often with dark stripes or spots that help camouflage it in its environment. The fins are usually dark brown with spots, and the fish can reach a maximum length of about 20 centimeters.
There are no major physical differences between male and female fish, although females tend to be larger. Behaviorally, these fish are generally solitary and may be shy; however, they can also exhibit semi-aggressive behavior towards other fish. As bottom dwellers, they often hide among rocks or in the sand. While their life expectancy in the wild is unknown, they can live for several years in a well-maintained aquarium.
Biotope
In the wild, Antennarius hispidus are found in the Indo-Western Pacific, particularly in areas such as East Africa, India, Malaysia, the Moluccas, Taiwan and northern Australia. They mainly live in shallow waters, often between coral reefs or in lagoons, and their natural habitat consists of rocky or muddy bottoms with many hiding places. Their natural predators are mainly larger predatory fish, but they are also hunters, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates.
Diet
In the wild, Antennarius hispidus are carnivores and feed primarily on small fish and invertebrates. In an aquarium, they can be fed a diet of frozen foods such as shrimp, fish fillets, and other meaty foods. It is essential not to feed live coral or polyps, as these fish are not considered reef-safe and may also attack shrimp.
The Aquarium
To keep Antennarius hispidus, an aquarium of at least 200 liters is required. The aquarium should be larger, preferably 400 liters or more if you want to keep multiple pairs. The setup should consist of rocks and hiding places, with a sand or fine gravel substrate to create a natural environment. The best water parameters are a temperature between 22-27°C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.026.
This species is best introduced into a well-established aquarium where algae and other microorganisms are present to provide a stable environment. Suitable tank mates include larger, peaceful fish such as Clownfish, Surgeonfish, and other non-aggressive species.
Breeding in the Aquarium
There are no specific reports known about breeding Antennarius hispidus in a normal aquarium
Particularities
A notable feature of the Antennarius hispidus is its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings, which assists in hunting and evading predators. This species has a unique hunting method; it uses its esca (a type of bait) to attract prey. Additionally, the Antennarius hispidus is susceptible to diseases such as Amyloodinium and Cryptocaryon, so it is important to keep them in a stress-free environment.
Conclusion
Keeping Antennarius hispidus can be challenging for beginners, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, they can be successfully kept in an aquarium. Their unique appearance and behavior make them an interesting species, but they require specific water parameters and a well-equipped aquarium to remain healthy. It is essential to carefully manage their diet and provide a stress-free environment to prevent disease.
Video
Bibliografie
- FishBase. Antennarius hispidus. Geraadpleegd van FishBase.
- Saltcorner. Antennarius hispidus (Hispid Frogfish, Shaggy Frogfish). Geraadpleegd van Saltcorner.
- Mohapatra, A., Tudu, P., & Yennawar, P. (2012). First Report of a Fish from Family: Antennariidae (Antennarius hispidus) from Digha Coastal Waters, on the East Coast of India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India.
Author
John de Lange
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