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Roughbar frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) — Antennariidae

Roughbar frogfish

Fowlerichthys avalonis
Family: Antennariidae
LC · Least Concern

The Roughbar frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
33 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–300.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; rocky areas and soft bottoms.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The roughbar frogfish is an anglerfish (Antennariidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a globose, scaleless body with skin that adapts in colour and texture to its surroundings, and on the head an elongated first dorsal fin ray with a lure. Adults inhabit rocky areas, including the intertidal zone, and sand and mud bottoms. Young fish eat mainly crustaceans, while larger individuals switch to fish. As an ambush hunter it catches prey with an explosive suction strike. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roughbar frogfish?

The Roughbar frogfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small lure on the head; adjusts its colour and texture; explosive suction hunter.

Where does the Roughbar frogfish live?

The Roughbar frogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; rocky areas and soft bottoms.

How big does the Roughbar frogfish get?

The Roughbar frogfish grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Roughbar frogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Roughbar frogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Roughbar frogfish edible?

The Roughbar frogfish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Roughbar frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) — Antennariidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — D. ROSS ROBERTSON, ARTURO ANGULO, CAROLE C. BALDWIN, DIANE PITASSY, AMY DRISKELL, LEE WEIGT, IGNACIO J.F. NAVARRO (CC BY 3.0)
Roughbar frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) — Antennariidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Nicholas Earnhart, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Roughbar frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) — Antennariidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) briandaarcesmith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Roughbar frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) — Antennariidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) fernando0c, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Roughbar frogfish verified
Scientific name
Fowlerichthys avalonis
Family
Antennariidae
Other names
Roughjaw frogfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; rocky areas and soft bottoms. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Crustaceans (juveniles) and fishes (adults) sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small lure on the head; adjusts its colour and texture; explosive suction hunter. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Fowlerichthys

More from the family Antennariidae

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