Facts: The Spotfin Frogfish

The spotfin frogfish is a highly camouflaged marine fish that lives on the seafloor. This species has a wide range and can inhabit both the Indo-Pacific and eastern Atlantic. In the Indo-Pacific, these fish can be found from Africa to Hawaii. In the Atlantic, they can be spotted near numerous eastern islands. They can be found on reefs from the intertidal zone to 960 ft deep. They prefer clear outer reef conditions and are usually found in small crevices or among sponges. Since they strive to match the color of the sponges in their area, their body color can be highly variable. They may be colors like white, yellow, orange, red, brown, or black. Their body may also have blotches or tiny dark spots. A large dark spot is usually noticeably located at the base of their dorsal fin. Their first dorsal spine is modified into a small, shrimp-like lure that they wiggle to attract prey. They feed on fish by ambushing their prey after they come close. Their lure is approximately equal in length to their second dorsal spine. Female spot fin frogfish lay egg masses in ribbon-like sheaths of gelatinous mucus. Hatched larvae drift with the plankton before settling onto reefs. Adults can grow around 5 inches long. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!