Painted Frogfish (Antennarius pictus)
Fish in the family Antennariidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Painted Frogfish is a small, robust fish with a bulbous head and flattened body covered in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, brown, and black in intricate patterns that provide camouflage on the reef. It possesses a modified dorsal fin spine that forms an illicium (fishing rod-like lure) used to attract prey. The skin is highly specialized with fine dermal flaps and papillae for additional camouflage.
Diet and feeding
Frogfish are obligate carnivores that feed exclusively on live fish and crustaceans. In captivity, they require live small fish (silversides, gobies) or live shrimp; frozen foods are rarely accepted. Feed every 2-3 days as they are ambush predators with slow metabolisms.
Difficulty and care for the Painted Frogfish
The Painted Frogfish requires expert care due to its specialized live-food diet, sedentary behavior, and sensitivity to water quality changes. It is challenging to acclimate and should only be kept by experienced aquarists.
Common health issues
Starvation if live food unavailable, bacterial infections from wounds, parasites, bloating
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending through Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in tropical reef environments.
Log Painted Frogfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Painted Frogfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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