Painted Frogfish
Antennarius pictus
Sighting evidence at Looc Bay, Romblon
Photo: Marine Explorer (Dr John Turnbull) · CC BY-NC-SA
Painted frogfish are found in a remarkable variety of color morphs throughout Looc Bay, from bright yellow to mottled black, perfectly matching the sponges and rubble they inhabit. Their lure, a modified dorsal spine, is waved gently to attract small fish before the frogfish strikes in one of the fastest predatory actions in the animal kingdom. Several individuals with established territories are known to local guides and can be revisited across multiple dives.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Painted Frogfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.