Antennarius maculatus – Warty Frogfish
Antennarius maculatus was first described by Desjardins in 1840. The species belongs to the family Antennariidae, which are commonly known as Frogfishes. The genus name Antennarius is derived from the Latin word “antenna,” meaning sensory organ. The species name maculatus means “spotted” in Latin, referring to the spotted appearance of the fish. Their common name is Warty Frogfish.
Synonyms:
- Chironectes maculatus
- Phymatophryne maculata
- Antennarius oligospilos
- Antennarius phymatodes
- Antennarius guentheri
Description
General description:
The Warty Frogfish has an irregularly shaped, yellow body with colorful spots and a long dorsal fin spine with a colorful skin flap at the top. This fish can grow up to 15 centimeters long. The fins often have red or orange edges.
Antennarius maculatus can also change its color to match its surroundings. This adaptation helps the fish camouflage itself and remain unnoticed by both prey and potential predators. The colors they can adopt are highly variable and can change depending on their environment. The color variations include:
- White
- Yellow
- Pink
- Red
- Brown
- Black
- Green
In addition, they may also exhibit patterns such as dark, circular spots and saddle-shaped markings. These color changes may take several weeks to fully complete.
Differences between males and females:
There are no obvious physical differences between males and females. Behaviorally they are solitary and only come together during the mating season.
Behavior and temperament:
The Warty Frogfish is a predatory fish that lives a solitary lifestyle. They are generally peaceful but can be aggressive towards conspecifics. They live on the bottom and wait patiently for prey.
Life expectancy:
There is no specific information on life expectancy in the wild or in captivity in the available sources.
The Rod and the Bait
The warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) has a unique adaptation on its head that helps it catch prey. This adaptation consists of a modified first dorsal fin, known as the illicium (rod), and a specialized organ at the tip of this rod, the esca (bait).
Illicium (Fishing rod)
The illicium is an elongated and mobile, first dorsal fin that extends from the head of the fish like a fishing rod. This rod is about twice as long as the second dorsal fin and is often dark in color with bands. The illicium is very flexible and can be moved in different directions, which allows the fish to move the bait in a realistic way.
Esca (Bait)
At the tip of the illicium is the esca, an organ that resembles a small fish or other attractive prey. The esca varies in color from pink to brown and can take on different shapes depending on the species and individual. In the warty frogfish, the esca often resembles a small fish, complete with fin-like structures, making it even more attractive to potential prey.
Function and Operation
The Warty Frogfish uses the illicium and esca to attract prey. The fish moves the rod and bait in a manner that mimics the movements of a small fish or other prey. This attracts the attention of curious prey that come closer to investigate the “prey”. Once the prey is within range, the Warty Frogfish quickly strikes with its large, forward-facing mouth and swallows the prey whole.
Camouflage and Adaptation
In addition to using the illicium and esca, the warty frogfish can also change its color to match its surroundings to better camouflage itself. This not only helps it avoid predators but also makes it easier to surprise prey.
This unique adaptation makes the warty frogfish a highly effective predatory fish, specialized in capturing prey through deception and camouflage.
Swimming or walking?
The warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) mainly moves along the bottom of the aquarium or the sea. Instead of swimming like most fish, this species uses its modified pectoral fins to “hop” or “walk” across the bottom. These pectoral fins are modified and look like small legs, allowing the fish to propel itself by pushing off the bottom and thus pushing itself forward.
This behavior is an adaptation to their lifestyle as an ambush predator. By moving slowly and stealthily across the bottom, they can get closer to their prey without being noticed. When prey comes within range, the warty frogfish quickly darts forward and swallows the prey whole.
Biotope
Distribution and habitat:
This species occurs in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, mainly on coral reefs. They live in shallow, sheltered reefs among algae, sponges and soft corals at depths of up to 20 meters.
Natural habitat:
The natural habitat consists of coral reefs with many algae and sponges. The bottom is usually rocky or covered with coral.
Diet
Diet in the wild:
In the wild, the Warty Frogfish feeds on small fish and larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs.
Diet in the aquarium:
In the aquarium, they should be fed with fish and crustaceans. It is important not to overfeed them; they only need food every 4-5 days.
Reef Safe:
They are reef-safe with caution, as they may eat small fish and crustaceans.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
A minimum of 200 liters is recommended for a single fish. If you want to keep other fish species, a larger aquarium is recommended. This species is kept solitary.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be decorated with coral and rocks to provide hiding places. A sandy bottom is most suitable.
Water parameters:
Ideal water parameters are a temperature of 23-27°C, a pH of 8.0-8.5, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.026.
Introduction to the aquarium:
The aquarium should be well matured before the fish is introduced.
Compatibility:
They can live well with larger fish that are not considered prey, such as certain species of angelfish and surgeonfish.
Breeding in the Aquarium
There is no specific information available on breeding the Warty Frogfish in an aquarium in the available sources.
Particularities
The Warty Frogfish has the unique ability to change color depending on its surroundings, which aids in camouflage. They use a modified dorsal fin to attract prey by wriggling it like a fish.
Conclusion
The Warty Frogfish is a fascinating and unique species of fish suitable for advanced aquarists. They require a specific diet and a well-established environment to thrive. Although generally peaceful, they can be aggressive towards conspecifics and smaller fish. Their ability to change color and unique hunting techniques make them an interesting addition to a specialized aquarium.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
