The Striated Tiger Colored Angler (Antennarius striatus), also known as the Striated Frogfish or Hairy Frogfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Antennariidae. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific and eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Distribution and Habitat

The Striated Frogfish is found in tropical and subtropical waters from the Indian Ocean to the center of the Pacific Ocean and in the Atlantic Ocean. It inhabits shallow sandy areas or rocky and coral reefs to deep waters. It can be found from the surface to 210 meters with average occurrence at 40 meters deep. They often mimic coral or sponges around them to blend in with the environment.

Physical Description

This small fish grows up to 22 cm (8.7 in) long. Like other members of its family it has a rounded extensible body and its soft skin is covered with irregularly-arranged dermal spinules resembling hairs. Its large mouth is forwardly extensible allowing it to swallow prey as large as itself. The coloring of its body is extremely variable because individual fish tend to match their living environments. Body and fins can be marked with roughly parallel dark stripes or elongated blotches. The first dorsal spine or illicium tips forward and is modified for use like a fishing rod. Its tip has a characteristic worm-like esca or lure which when waved attracts unsuspecting prey. The dorsal spine is composed of two to seven elongated appendages.

Diet and Feeding

The Striated Frogfish is a voracious carnivore which will devour all right-sized prey that pass within reach, usually other fish but sometimes even its own kind. It can swallow prey its own size. In captivity it should be fed live or frozen foods such as ghost shrimp, small fish, and krill.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species has a benthic and solitary lifestyle. They gather during the mating period but do not tolerate each other after fertilization. They use jet-like propulsion through their gill openings for movement and can also walk along the floor using their jointed pectoral fins. They have a defense mechanism that includes swelling their body with water and remaining inflated to make swallowing difficult.

Aquarium Care

The Striated Tiger Colored 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.