English Name : Commerson’s frogfish, Giant angler
Local Name : Maa bohmas
Size : Max. 38 cm
Family : Order : Specimen :
ANTENNARIIDAE Lophiiformes MRS/0180/88
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 3 spines (which are well separated from one another), and 12-13 rays. First dorsal spine considerably longer than the second which is curved posteriorly. Anal fin with 8 rays. Pectoral fin 10-11 rays. Skin joining second dorsal spine to head thick and densely spinulose. Gill opening restricted to a pore. Caudal peduncle distinct.
Colour: Highly variable. Ground colour maybe red, orange, yellow, greenish, brown or black. A yellow one can change to red in three weeks.
Habitat and Biology: Mostly benthic, coastal and surface waters to a depth of 100 m. Lures its prey (usually fishes) by movements of its specialized first dorsal spine.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific.
Remarks: Antennarius commersonii, like other frogfishes (or anglers) is highly camaflouged. It is larger than most other frogfishes.