SpinyheadPlay freeLonglure frogfish Antennarius multiocellatus
The longlure frogfish is a small, rounded, ambush predator that is well camouflaged on Caribbean reefs. It has a soft, loose-looking body, a large upturned mouth, and limb-like pectoral fins that it uses to grip the bottom and to walk slowly. A fishing-rod-like first dorsal spine (the illicium) is tipped with a lure (the esca) that it twitches to attract prey. Its color varies a lot, from yellow, orange and tan to brown, gray or nearly black, and it can change over time. It usually sits motionless and is easy to miss.
How to recognize it
- fishing-rod spine on top of head
- illicium longer than the second dorsal spine
- lure shaped like a small tuft or worm-like bundle
- dark spot at base of tail, often ringed in pale
- dark spots or blotches on dorsal fin base
- large upturned mouth
- leg-like pectoral fins
- variable color: yellow, tan, brown, black
| Size | Typically about 5 to 10 cm long; maximum about 20 cm. |
|---|---|
| Range | Western Atlantic: Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the Bahamas, and south along the coast of northern South America to Brazil; also reported from some offshore islands. |
| Habitat | Lives on coral reefs, rocky areas and around sponges, often resting on or beside sponges, rubble or rocky ledges where it blends in. Usually found in shallow to moderate depths, from near the surface to about 80 m or deeper. |
| Diet | Eats small fishes and crustaceans. It is a sit-and-wait predator: it lures prey with the esca, then opens its mouth so quickly that the prey is sucked in within a fraction of a second. |
| Conservation | Not known to be threatened. It is not well assessed in terms of population trends, but it appears to be widely distributed. Potential threats include reef degradation and collection for the aquarium trade. |
Life and behavior
Frogfishes are mostly solitary and sedentary, and move little during the day. They can inflate the body with water when threatened. Adults may walk across the bottom using their pectoral and pelvic fins. Reproduction involves females releasing eggs in a buoyant, mucus-like raft or veil, which floats and is not guarded by the parents. The larvae drift in the plankton before settling on the reef. Frogfishes are known to be able to change color slowly, over days to weeks, and individuals can differ greatly in color.
Its family: Frogfishes (Antennariidae)
Frogfishes are bottom-dwelling, ambush predators with stout, rounded bodies and large mouths. They have a modified first dorsal spine that works as a fishing lure. Their pectoral fins are arm-like and allow them to walk and grip the bottom. Many are masters of camouflage and resemble sponges or rocks.
Similar species
- Striped frogfish Antennarius striatus Usually shows distinct dark stripes or streaks radiating over the body and the lure is different; the longlure's illicium is longer and its pattern is more spotted.
- Sargassumfish Histrio histrio Lives in floating Sargassum weed and has frilly skin flaps; the longlure lacks these and lives on the reef.
- Singlespot frogfish Antennarius radiosus Typically has a single prominent dark spot on the dorsal fin and often a different lure and a shorter illicium.
