Warty Frogfish

Warty Frogfish

Antennarius maculatus

Least Concern

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

The Warty Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) is a small, camouflaged ambush predator found in Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs. Its skin is covered in wart-like protuberances, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its environment of sponges, corals, and algae. It uses a modified dorsal spine, called an illicium, with a fleshy lure to attract small fish and crustaceans, which it engulfs with remarkable speed.

Max Length 15 cm
Max Weight 300 g
Lifespan N/A
Habitat Seabed and coral reef
Depth Range 1 - 20 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Solitary
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Warty Frogfish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Warty Frogfish

Range

Where Warty Frogfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Warty Frogfish

Where can you see the Warty Frogfish?

The Warty Frogfish can be seen at 8 dive destinations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. The best spots include Lembeh Strait (Indonesia), Gili Islands (Indonesia), Kapalai (Malaysia), Komodo (Indonesia), and Lankayan (Malaysia).

What is the best time to see the Warty Frogfish?

Sightings of the Warty Frogfish peak at different times depending on the destination: Kapalai from March to October, Komodo from March to October, and Mabul from March to October.

Can you see the Warty Frogfish all year round?

Yes. At Lembeh Strait, the Warty Frogfish is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Warty Frogfish in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, you can see the Warty Frogfish at Lembeh Strait, Gili Islands, Komodo, and Nusa Penida.

Where can you see the Warty Frogfish in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, you can see the Warty Frogfish at Kapalai, Lankayan, and Mabul.

Where can you see the Warty Frogfish in Philippines?

In Philippines, you can see the Warty Frogfish at Malapascua.

How big does the Warty Frogfish get?

The Warty Frogfish can reach up to 15 cm in length and 300 g in weight.

What habitat does the Warty Frogfish live in?

The Warty Frogfish is found in these habitats: seabed and coral reef.

How deep does the Warty Frogfish live?

The Warty Frogfish lives between 1 and 20 m deep.

What does the Warty Frogfish eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Warty Frogfish most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

Does the Warty Frogfish live in groups?

No. The Warty Frogfish is mostly solitary and is usually seen on its own.

What is the conservation status of the Warty Frogfish?

The Warty Frogfish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Warty Frogfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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