The Wartskin Angler (Antennarius maculatus), also known as the Warty Frogfish or Clown Frogfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Antennariidae. The warty frogfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region.

Distribution and Habitat

The Wartskin Angler lives in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from Mauritius and Reunion Island in the central Indian Ocean to the western part of the Pacific Ocean. It is found in sheltered rocky and coral reefs and adults are usually associated with sponges down to 20 meters deep.

Physical Description

The Wartskin Angler grows up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Like other members of its family it has a globulous extensible body and its soft skin is covered with small dermal spinules. The skin is covered with numerous small wart-like protuberances. Its large prognathous mouth allows it to consume prey its same size. The coloring of its body is extremely variable because it tends to match its living environment. The dominant coloration goes from white to black passing through a whole range of related nuances such as cream, pink, yellow, red, and brown, often with dark circular spots or saddles. The illicium or first dorsal spine is tipped with a characteristic esca that looks like a small fish with a pinkish to brownish coloration.

Diet and Feeding

The Wartskin Angler is a voracious carnivore which can attack all small animals that pass within its strike range, mainly fishes. Its prey can vary in size to close to its own size. In captivity it should be fed live or frozen foods such as ghost shrimp, small fish, and krill.

Behavior and Reproduction

Like other members of their family they have a benthic and solitary lifestyle. They gather during the mating period but do not tolerate each other after fertilization.

Aquarium Care

The Wartskin Angler requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with stable water conditions and abundant live rock. It is aggressive and will eat any small fish or invertebrate that fits in its mouth. Only one angler should be kept per tank. It is reef-safe in that it does not bother corals.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.