Giant Frogfish

Antennarius commerson

Giant Frogfish (Antennarius commerson)

Images taken at Tulamben, Bali and Ambon, Indonesia

1. Large Body Size

• Can reach 35–40 cm, much larger than most frogfish species. Very thick, globose body with a massive head. Mouth extremely wide and capable of engulfing prey nearly its own size.

2. Illicium and Esca (Fishing Lure)

• Short illicium relative to body size. Esca is simple and bulb-like or tufted. Often less elaborate than in smaller frogfish species

3. Skin Texture

• Smooth to slightly warty skin. Fewer large dermal appendages compared with many frogfish. May show low bumps rather than pronounced filaments

This helps distinguish it from more heavily “hairy” species.

4. Pectoral and Pelvic “Walking” Fins

• Thick, limb-like pectoral fins used to crawl across reef substrate. Pelvic fins form a tripod stance.

5. Gill Opening

• Small, round gill opening, located behind the base of the pectoral fin

6. Colouration

Colour is extremely variable and depends on camouflage needs.

Common forms include yellow, red, brown, black, orange, white or mottled

7. Fin Ray Counts

• Dorsal fin rays: ~12–13, Anal fin rays: ~7–8, Pectoral fin rays: ~10–11

8. Habitat

• On coral rubble, near sponges, in sandy reef slopes and around jetty structures or artificial reefs