Antennarius commerson

(Lacepède, 1798)

Vernacular names
English : Commerson’s frogfish
French : Antennaire géant

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Lophiiformes
Family : Antennariidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
One of the biggest species of its genus, reaching up to 45 cm in length. Large dorsal fin, esca is a small tuft of appendages. Coloration variable, from all black to red or grey. Skin with small scattered warts. Spots sometimes present.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, from Red Sea and East Africa to Panama, north to South Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Found in lagoons and seaward reefs, down to 50 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species appears to be common in its huge range. Locally collected for the aquarium trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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