FROG OR FISH?

The weird Frogfish is a member of the family of fish known as the 'anglers'. They take their name from the ‘fishing equipment’ they carry on their head. The Frogfish uses a fleshy growth from its head (the esca (bait) and illicium (pole)) as a lure; the action of the growth attracts prey and is like angling.

Try to spot the blue eye, the orange mouth, and the white worm-like lure.

 


There are about 45 species of these strange, shallow water fish. They are mostly 10-20 cm long and are all benthic (bottom-dwelling) with foot-like pectoral fins. The Frogfish uses these ‘feet’ to walk across the ocean bottom instead of swimming. If they are in a hurry they use jet propulsion by squirting water out of their small gill openings.

Frogfish are ambush predators; they rest motionless in the coral or on the bottom using their built-in camouflage. They are able to adjust their color to blend in with their surroundings. Others have outgrowths of skin that look like sponge or seaweed.
  

When prey are near, they ‘wiggle’ the worm-like growth on their head attracting their next meal. They have huge heads and mouths and can swallow fish half their size. The snapping action of their jaws is triggered automatically when the lure is touched.

 



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