The Assorted Angler (Antennarius sp.) is a frogfish belonging to the family Antennariidae. The genus Antennarius comprises numerous species of anglerfish found in warmer parts of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. The name Antennarius refers to the first dorsal spine being adapted into a tentacle on the snout used as a lure to attract prey.

Distribution and Habitat

Antennarius frogfishes are cosmopolitan in coastal waters in tropical and subtropical oceans, although they are most diverse in the Indo-West Pacific region. They are mostly marine and largely found in shallow water on a variety of substrates including coral reefs and rocky areas.

Physical Description

Antennarius frogfishes have a slightly compressed rather globose body. The head has no spines on it and there is a large upwardly pointing mouth with numerous small teeth. The illicium has a distinct esca or lure. The third dorsal spine is movable and is not embedded in the skin. The pectoral fins are limb-like with a joint which resembles an elbow. The rough skin has a covering of closely set bifurcated spinules. Depending on the species, maximum total length ranges from 8 cm to 45 cm, with most aquarium species reaching approximately 15 cm (5.9 in). Coloration is extremely variable as individual fish tend to match their living environments.

Diet and Feeding

Anglerfish are voracious carnivores which will devour all right-sized prey that pass within reach, usually other fish but sometimes even their own kind. They can swallow prey their own size. In captivity, they should be fed live or frozen foods such as ghost shrimp, small fish, and krill.

Behavior and Reproduction

These fish have a benthic and solitary lifestyle. They gather during the mating period but do not tolerate each other after fertilization. They use a unique form of locomotion including jet-like propulsion through their gill openings and can also walk along the floor using their jointed pectoral and pelvic fins.

Aquarium Care

The Assorted Angler requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with stable water conditions and abundant live rock. It is aggressive and should not be kept with small fish or shrimp as they will be eaten. Only one angler should be kept per tank unless a confirmed pair is obtained. They are reef-safe in the sense that they do not bother corals but will consume any small fish or invertebrate that fits in their mouth.

Conservation Status

Most Antennarius species are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.