Frogfish

Diagnosis: body short and globose; mouth large with many small, villiform teeth; skin naked, but head, body and fins covered with numerous skin flaps; very long pelvic fins (> 25% SL); unprotected illicium or lure attains less than half of second dorsal-fin spine and 4.5-9.3% of SL (Ref. 57225). Description: characterized by having large pelvic fins; unbranched pelvic rays (Ref. 90102). Illicium much shorter than 2nd dorsal spine; esca globular with short filaments; pectoral stalk free from body for most of its length (Ref. 26938). Illicium and second dorsal-fin spine close-set, former apparently emerging from base of latter; second dorsal-fin spine narrow and slightly curved backwards, not attached to head by membrane and attaining 13.3-19.3% of standard length. Third dorsal-fin spine narrow and slightly curved backwards, attached to the head by a membrane and attaining 19.3-29.3% of SL: eye diameter 5.0-8.7% of SL (Ref. 57225). Relatively smooth skin without obvious spinules; head, body, fins and dorsal spines usually have scattered cirri and slender skin flaps (Ref. 90102).Coloration: color variable, from more or less uniform grey to pattern of stripes and spots varying from brown to yellow; body sometimes covered with numerous small, black dots or fine white lines; pectorals nad pelvics occasionally orange-edged; skin filaments white; illicium without bands; color mottled green with numerous fleshy weed-like dermal appendages (Ref. 1602) blending with the floating Sargassum weed in which it is usually found.

Oviparous. During courtship, the male follows the female closely then both rush to the surface to spawn (Ref. 205). At this point, eggs are produced in a gelatinous floating mass or 'raft' and inseminated by the male. The eggs remain embedded in this raft until hatching (Ref. 240).

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 6 - 13

Found near the surface, usually associated with floating objects (Ref. 26340) or Sargassum. Found along the shore and occasionally found among floating seaweeds (Ref. 57225). Commonly blown into shore and bay waters during storms (Ref. 7251). Epipelagic (Ref. 58302). A solitary (Ref. 26340) and voracious predator (Ref. 5521). Feeds on fishes and shrimps that seek refuge in the floating weeds (Ref. 48635).

Found near the surface, usually associated with floating objects (Ref. 26340) or Sargassum. Found near shore and occasionally among floating seaweeds (Ref. 57225). Commonly blown into shore and bay waters during storms (Ref. 7251). Epipelagic (Ref. 58302). A solitary (Ref. 26340) and voracious predator (Ref. 5521). They feed on fishes and shrimps that seek refuge in the floating weeds (Ref. 48635). Oviparous. Eggs are bound in ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called 'egg raft' or 'veil' (Ref. 6773, 48635). Solitary or loose groups among floating seaweed (Ref 90102).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: commercial