Fin's Fish Guide
The Striated frogfish (Antennarius striatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Antennariidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, in the east along West Africa and around the Macaronesian islands, on rocky and sandy bottoms from shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The striated frogfish is a rounded, warty predator of the family Antennariidae reaching about 25 cm. The yellow to brown body bears dark, worm-like wavy stripes that provide camouflage; it uses its limb-like pectoral fins to 'walk' over the bottom. The first dorsal spine is modified into a 'rod' (illicium) with a lure that closely resembles a worm, with which the fish draws prey right in front of its enormous, upturned mouth. The species is widespread in warm seas worldwide, in the east along West Africa and around the Macaronesian islands. It lies motionless in ambush among stones and weeds and sucks in any fish or shrimp that comes too close in a flash.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striated frogfish?
The Striated frogfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a flame-patterned pattern. Rounded, warty anglerfish with dark, winding stripes; the lure on the snout looks like a little worm and is used as a rod.
Where does the Striated frogfish live?
The Striated frogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, in the east along West Africa and around the Macaronesian islands, on rocky and sandy bottoms from shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Striated frogfish get?
The Striated frogfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Striated frogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Striated frogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striated frogfish edible?
The Striated frogfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Antennarius
More from the family Antennariidae
Want the complete picture on the Striated frogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striated frogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.