Painted Frogfish
NamePainted Frogfish
Scientific NameAntennarius pictus
Common NamesPainted Frogfish, Clown Frogfish
FamilyAntennariidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, Red Sea, South Africa, Hawaii, Japan, Australia
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)30
Max Size (Inches)12
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)75-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Description
The Painted Frogfish is a master of camouflage, often found mimicking sponges or rubble on the seafloor. It is a sedentary ambush predator, using a modified dorsal fin spine (illicium) as a lure to attract unsuspecting prey. This species exhibits a wide range of colors and textures, making it a fascinating but challenging aquarium inhabitant.
