Warty Frogfish
Antennariidae maculatus
The warty frogfish is a member of the anglerfish family and are found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. They typically walk instead of swim on modified fins and their bumpy skin helps them blend in with their surroundings. They use a modified fin as a lure to attract their prey and can rapidly expand their mouth to swallow prey as big as themselves!
Originally published: July 08, 2024
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific / Robin Riggs
SPECIES IN DETAIL
Warty Frogfish
Antennariidae maculatus
CONSERVATION STATUS: Safe for Now
CLIMATE CHANGE: Not Applicable
Geographic Distribution
The warty frogfish can be found in tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific.
Habitat
They are found in rocky and coral reefs, at depths of 1-20m (3-65.6ft).
Physical Characteristics
The warty frogfish has a round body and their skin is covered in small warty bumps. Their colors range from yellow and cream to brown or black with dark spots or splotches in pinks and reds.
Size
They get 15cm (5.9 inches) long.
Diet
The warty frogfish eats variety of small fish. They also known for their protruding mouth with can expand rapidly to eat prey as large as itself. They are a member of the anglerfish family and have a modified dorsal fin that acts a lure to catch their food.
Reproduction
This fish lays eggs which are released in a jelly-like raft. These will then hatch and develop into adult frogfish.
Behavior
They can be quite still but when they do move, they tend to walk instead of swim using modified fins.
Adaptation
The warty frogfish is excellent at camouflaging into its environment with their bumpy skin.
Longevity
The lifespan of the warty frogfish is unknown.
Conservation
The warty frogfish is listed a species of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. There are no conservation efforts in place for this species but frogfish in general have limited population ranges and can be susceptible to threats from climate change.
Special Notes
The warty frogfish can biofluorescence. They react to a blue or UV light by glowing red. Scientists think this might be used a form of camouflage or communication.
SPECIES IN DETAIL | Print full entry
Warty Frogfish
Antennariidae maculatus
CONSERVATION STATUS: Safe for Now
CLIMATE CHANGE: Not Applicable
The warty frogfish can be found in tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific.
They are found in rocky and coral reefs, at depths of 1-20m (3-65.6ft).
The warty frogfish has a round body and their skin is covered in small warty bumps. Their colors range from yellow and cream to brown or black with dark spots or splotches in pinks and reds.
They get 15cm (5.9 inches) long.
The warty frogfish eats variety of small fish. They also known for their protruding mouth with can expand rapidly to eat prey as large as itself. They are a member of the anglerfish family and have a modified dorsal fin that acts a lure to catch their food.
This fish lays eggs which are released in a jelly-like raft. These will then hatch and develop into adult frogfish.
They can be quite still but when they do move, they tend to walk instead of swim using modified fins.
The warty frogfish is excellent at camouflaging into its environment with their bumpy skin.
The lifespan of the warty frogfish is unknown.
The warty frogfish is listed a species of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. There are no conservation efforts in place for this species but frogfish in general have limited population ranges and can be susceptible to threats from climate change.
The warty frogfish can biofluorescence. They react to a blue or UV light by glowing red. Scientists think this might be used a form of camouflage or communication.