Painted Frogfish

Painted Frogfish

Antennarius pictus

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Painted Frogfish (Antennarius pictus) is a marine ray-finned fish found in the Indo-Pacific. It possesses a globulous, extensible body with soft, warty skin, and exhibits highly variable coloration for camouflage. This ambush predator uses a modified first dorsal spine (illicium) with a lure (esca) to attract its prey, which mainly consists of small fish and crustaceans.

Max Length 30 cm
Max Weight 0.2 kg
Lifespan 3 - 15 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 75 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Solitary
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Painted Frogfish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Painted Frogfish

Range

Where Painted Frogfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Painted Frogfish

Where can you see the Painted Frogfish?

The Painted Frogfish can be seen at 18 dive destinations in Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, and South Africa. The best spots include Anilao (Philippines), Kapalai (Malaysia), Lankayan (Malaysia), Mabul (Malaysia), and Malapascua (Philippines).

What is the best time to see the Painted Frogfish?

Sightings of the Painted Frogfish peak at different times depending on the destination: Lankayan from May to October and Komodo from March to October.

Can you see the Painted Frogfish all year round?

Yes. At Anilao, Kapalai, and Mabul, the Painted Frogfish is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Painted Frogfish in Malaysia?

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

Where can you see the Painted Frogfish in Philippines?

In Philippines, you can see the Painted Frogfish at Anilao, Malapascua, Apo Reef, and Tubbataha Reefs.

Where can you see the Painted Frogfish in Indonesia?

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

How big does the Painted Frogfish get?

The Painted Frogfish can reach up to 30 cm in length and 0.2 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Painted Frogfish live in?

The Painted Frogfish is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Painted Frogfish live?

The Painted Frogfish lives from the surface down to 75 m.

What does the Painted Frogfish eat?

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

When is the Painted Frogfish most active?

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

Does the Painted Frogfish live in groups?

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

How long does the Painted Frogfish live?

The Painted Frogfish lives 3 to 15 years.

What is the conservation status of the Painted Frogfish?

The Painted 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 Painted Frogfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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