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Histiophryne cryptacanthus (Weber, 1913) Cryptic anglerfish |
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photo by
Allen, G.R. |
| Family: | Histiophrynidae (Starfingered frogfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 9.6 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 130 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Pacific. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal soft rays: 6-9. Description: Characterized by having variable colors: mottled white, grey, yellow, pink and brown; sometimes covered with spots that resemble pores of sponges; tiny illicium (less than 4% of SL); partially hidden illicium and esca in groove on mid-dorsal line of snout; skin bounds second and third dorsal spines to surface of head; low protuberances on top of head and neck; no caudal peduncle, posterior margin of dorsal and anal fins connected to base of outermost caudal fin rays (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Found inshore on reefs (Ref. 7300) but has been recorded to a depth of 130 m (Ref. 9563). Adults found with sponges or ascidians (Ref. 48635). Oviparous. Eggs are attached to each other by a single, flattened, acellular filament and are brooded in a hollow behind the left pectoral fin (Ref. 6773). Mimics sponges with its spots that resembles pores of sponges (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||