Family: |
Antennariidae (Frogfishes) |
Max. size: |
14 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m |
Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Indonesia, New Guinea, the Solomons, the Philippines and Taiwan. Reported from Palau (Ref. 2847). |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal soft rays: 6-7. Usually features one or two ocelli on the soft dorsal fin. Length to 14 cm (Ref. 48635).
Description: Characterized by having variable colour, ranging from mottled tan or yellow to almost black; base of posterior dorsal fin rays with prominent pale-edged black spot; unbranched pelvic rays except posterior most bifurcate; illicium usually shorter than second dorsal spine; longitudinally folded appendage with numerous, slender filaments arising from base, esca; straight and free second dorsal spine; posteriorly curved third dorsal spine, 3.3-4.3 in SL; presence of caudal peduncle (Ref. 90102). |
Biology: |
Unusual among antennariids in often occupying brackish or even totally freshwater habitats. Most specimens were taken at 10 m depth or less. Oviparous. Eggs are bound in ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called 'egg raft' or 'veil' (Ref. 6773). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
poisonous to eat |
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