Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotfin frogfish (Antennatus nummifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The spotfin frogfish is a small frogfish with a very wide range: in the eastern Atlantic off the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and St Helena, and in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and Japan. It grows to about 13 cm and has a globose, irregular body with variable colours from yellow and pink to brown or black, with a dark spot at the base of the rear dorsal rays. On its head it carries a rod-like first dorsal spine with a lure that mimics a tiny shrimp. As a bottom hunter it waits motionless and engulfs passing prey with its large, upturned mouth. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotfin frogfish?
The Spotfin frogfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Rod-like dorsal fin spine with a lure that mimics a shrimp; rounded camouflaged shape
Where does the Spotfin frogfish live?
The Spotfin frogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic and Indo-Pacific
How big does the Spotfin frogfish get?
The Spotfin frogfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Spotfin frogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotfin frogfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Spotfin frogfish edible?
The Spotfin frogfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Antennatus
More from the family Antennariidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotfin frogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotfin frogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.