Fin's Fish Guide
The Leopard frogfish (Antennarius pardalis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms, reefs and in estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The leopard frogfish is a stocky anglerfish of the family Antennariidae (frogfishes) reaching about 10 cm. The globose body has a warty skin with dark eyespots and blotches giving excellent camouflage, and limb-like pectoral and pelvic fins with which the fish slowly 'walks' over the bottom. The first dorsal ray is modified into a movable rod with a lure (illicium), with which it draws curious prey just in front of the hugely expandable mouth and then engulfs it in a flash. The species lives near rocky bottoms, reefs and in estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. Because of its camouflage and slow lifestyle it is only rarely noticed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Leopard frogfish?
The Leopard frogfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stocky anglerfish with warty skin, eyespots and leg-like pectoral fins; a small rod with a lure above the mouth draws prey in.
Where does the Leopard frogfish live?
The Leopard frogfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms, reefs and in estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Leopard frogfish get?
The Leopard frogfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Leopard frogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Leopard frogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Leopard frogfish edible?
The Leopard frogfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Antennarius
More from the family Antennariidae
Want the complete picture on the Leopard frogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Leopard frogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.