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Family Antennariidae
Frogfishes
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Frogfishes are also known as Anglerfishes since they use a
modified dorsal spine (illicium) having a tiny flap of skin at its tip as a lure to
attract prey. Frogfish bodies resemble flabby weed-encrusted masses or sponges and
effectively blend into their surroundings. They are typically found upon rocky
outcrops or large rocks at any depth, and most of the Hawaiian species are small and
rarely seen. Commerson's Frogfish is the most likely species divers will encounter.
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HAWAII
Antennarius commerson
Haleiwa Trench, Oahu, 60 feet
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Onekahakaha Tide Pool, Hawaii |
Juvenile, Pokai Bay, 30 feet
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Electric Beach, Oahu, 35 feet |
Waikiki Aquarium
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Kewalo, Oahu, 40 feet |
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Blowhole, Oahu, 35 feet
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Firehouse, Oahu, 60 feet
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Kewalo Pipe, Oahu, 60 feet |
Wakatobi, Indonesia, 50 feet
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Wakatobi, Indonesia, 70 feet
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Sea Tiger Wreck, Oahu, 95 feet |
Sea Tiger Wreck, Oahu, 95 feet
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Sea Tiger Wreck, Oahu, 95 feet |
Kewalo, Oahu, 40 feet
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Kewalo, Oahu, 40 feet |
Kewalo, Oahu, 40 feet
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Kewalo, Oahu, 40 feet |
Wailea, Maui |
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COMMERSON'S or GIANT FROGFISH
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Largest and most common species in Hawaii, from
shallow water to at least 100 feet. Usually found near vertical
features where small fishes congregate. Attains 14 inches. Highly variable in coloration, light brown is most common,
juveniles are yellow. Apparently changes locations over time rather than staying put. Capable of swallowing fish almost as long as
itself. Membrane behind second dorsal spine is thin.
Dorsal rays 13, anal rays 8, pectoral rays 11 (one more than A. pictus).
Indo-Pacific, Hawaii, and the Tropical Eastern Pacific. |
Antennarius pictus
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Blowhole, Oahu, 15 feet
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Wailea Wreck, Maui, 60 feet |
Blowhole, Oahu, 15 feet
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Wailea Wreck, Maui, 60 feet |
Makapu'u, Oahu, 25 feet |
Makapu'u, Oahu, 25 feet
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Red Hill, Makena, Maui, 30 feet |
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PAINTED FROGFISH
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Not common in Hawaii and difficult to distinguish from Commerson's
Frogfish. Multicolored juveniles are fairly common in Japan.
Usually decorated with ocellated spots. Membrane behind second
dorsal spine is thin. Dorsal rays 12, anal rays 7, pectoral rays
10 (one less than A. commerson). Indo-Pacific & Hawaii.
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Antennarius maculatus
Wakatobi, Indonesia, 35 feet |
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WARTY FROGFISH
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Uncommon throughout its range. White, yellow,
orange, or black with brown streaks and numerous large warts. Attains
4.5 inches. Scattered reports from the Indo-Pacific including Hawaii. |
Antennatus tuberosus
Waikiki Aquarium
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Waikiki Aquarium |
Ala Moana, Oahu, 35 feet |
Ala Moana, Oahu, 35 feet |
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RETICULATED FROGFISH
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Rare within branches of Cauliflower or Antler Corals.
Pale yellow with brown net-like pattern and narrow bands on
caudal fin. Attains 3.5 inches. Indo-Pacific & Hawaii. |
Histrio histrio
 
Grand Bahama, floating dock
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SARGASSUMFISH
| Rarely found in Hawaii. Found under floating mats of seaweed in the open ocean.
Occasionally washes into coastal waters. Attains 8 inches. A floating retrieved off the west shore of Oahu
contained at least 50 tiny juveniles. Circumtropical distribution. |
Family Caracanthidae
Orbicular Velvetfish
Caracanthus typicus
Makapu'u, Oahu, 30 feet
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HAWAIIAN VELVETFISH
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Common between branches of Cauliflower and Antler Coral.
Endemic to Hawaii. Less than 2 inches when full-grown. Fuzzy grayish pink with dark red spots. |
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