Longlure frogfish
Antennarius multiocellatus
(Valenciennes, 1837)
Description:
This frogfish is globular in shape with a large, extremely upturned mouth, which can be opened to the width of the body to engulf a prey. Body with numerous dark spots, some of which are occasionally ringed in white. Three spots on the tail are usually visible. Pectoral and ventral fins have evolved into webbed, hand-like appendages that they use to grasp, perch or walk (A. multiocellatus). The small circular gill openings are located behind or below the pectoral fin. The first dorsal spine is located on the snout and has evolved into a thin, stalk-like structure that is used to attract prey.
Size up to 20 cm.
Habitat:
Inhabit shallow reefs, commonly found in areas with sponges (A. multiocellatus 2). Masters at camouflage. They can change to virtually any color to match the background. As they rest they often look like sponges with the ocelli like oscula.
Distribution:
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.