How do frogfishes catch prey?

Frogfishes use camouflage to lure prey, remaining still and then striking extremely rapidly, sometimes in as little as 6 milliseconds.

Can frogfishes change colour?

Many species can change colour, and some are covered with organisms like algae or hydrozoa that contribute to their camouflage.

Is the name 'frogfish' used for other fishes?

In Australia, members of Antennariidae are called anglerfish, and the common name 'frogfish' also refers to members of the unrelated family Batrachoididae.

Are there many frogfish fossils?

Few traces remain in the fossil record, though some species are known from the Eocene of Italy and the Miocene of Algeria.

How would you describe their body shape?

Frogfishes are typically small, short, and stocky, sometimes with spinules and appendages that help with camouflage.

Do frogfishes move quickly?

They typically move slowly, spending time lying in wait for prey.

Where to See Frogfish While Diving

Q: Where are frogfishes found?

They are found in almost all tropical and subtropical oceans and seas worldwide, with the Mediterranean Sea as a primary exception.

Q: How fast can they strike?

They can strike extremely rapidly, in as little as 6 milliseconds.

Frogfishes are members of the anglerfish family Antennariidae (order Lophiiformes). They occur in almost all tropical and subtropical oceans and seas worldwide, with the primary exception of the Mediterranean Sea. Frogfishes are small, short and stocky, and may be covered in spinules and other appendages that aid camouflage. Many species can change colour and some are covered with other organisms such as algae or hydrozoa. Their camouflage serves both to protect them from predators and to help them lure prey. Frogfishes typically move slowly and lie in wait, then strike extremely rapidly — in as little as 6 milliseconds. The fossil record for frogfishes is sparse, though some fossil species are known from the Eocene of Italy and the Miocene of Algeria.

Typically move slowly and lie in wait; they can strike extremely rapidly, in as little as 6 milliseconds.

Use camouflage to lure prey and perform very rapid strikes to capture it.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Komodo, Bonaire, Anilao + Batangas (Verde Island Passage) and countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Japan for divers building trips around frogfish.