scubaseason

Sargassum frogfish

Histrio histrio

Sighting evidence at Robert Lagoon, Martinique

Sargassum frogfish are found wherever floating sargassum weed accumulates near sheltered coasts, and the Atlantic side of Martinique receives regular sargassum influxes that bring these animals into the lagoon. They are masters of crypsis — their mottled yellow-brown weed-like patterning and textured skin are near-perfect sargassum mimics. Like all frogfish they use a lure (the modified first dorsal spine, called an illicium) to attract prey, and they can engulf fish nearly their own body size in under 6 milliseconds — one of the fastest predatory strikes of any vertebrate.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Sargassum frogfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.