Scarlet Frogfish - Oceana

Ocean Fishes

Scarlet Frogfish

Antennarius Coccineus

Distribution

Tropical to sub-tropical latitudes of the Indian and Pacific oceans

ecosystem/habitat

Rocky and coral reefs

Feeding Habits

Ambush predator

Taxonomy

Order Lophiiformes (anglerfishes), Family Antennariidae (frogfishes)

     

    The scarlet frogfish, like all frogfishes, is an anglerfish. Most anglerfishes (e.g., the humpback anglerfish) live in the deep sea, but the frogfishes comprise a family of shallow-water representatives of this large group of interesting fishes. The frogfishes have small fishing lures, made from modifications of their dorsal fins, which they use to attract small fishes. The scarlet frogfish remains almost perfectly motionless, for long periods at a time, moving only its lure. Once a potential target comes close enough, it lunges toward the prey, rapidly opening its jaws, and creating enough suction to swallow the prey whole. The scarlet frogfish’s ability to blend in with its surroundings and remain perfectly motionless are both effective means of avoiding predation. This species is almost never eaten by predators.

    Scarlet frogfish are typically solitary, only coming together to form pairs when mating. After a male successfully courts a female, the pair reproduces via a behavior known as broadcast spawning. The female rapidly swims above the reef surface to release her eggs higher in the water column, and the male follows quickly behind, releasing his sperm. This method increases the likelihood that eggs will become fertilized and that fertilized eggs will not be eaten by egg predators on the reef surface.

    This species is not commercially valuable and is not accidentally captured by fisheries targeting other species. Though some individuals are occasionally captured alive for display in public and private aquaria, this uncommon practice is not a threat to scarlet frogfish populations. Scientists have not officially assessed the conservation status of the scarlet frogfish, but this naturally rare species is likely a species of least conservation concern.

    Engage Youth with Sailors for the Sea

    Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids.

    Kids Environmental Lesson Plans

     

    FEATURED CAMPAIGN

    Save the Oceans, Feed the World

    We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people.

    Learn More

    More CAMPAIGNs

    Protect Habitat

    Bycatch

    Plastics

    View All

    SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A DONATION

    We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.

    Donate Here

    Become a Wavemaker

    Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana.

    Shop
    Press Center
    Employment Opportunities
    Contact
    Financials
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use

    REGIONAL SITES :

    United States
    Europe
    Chile
    Canada
    Belize
    Philippines
    Brazil
    Peru
    Mexico

    FIND OCEANA

    TWEET TO SHARE OUR MESSAGE

    Twitter