The striated frogfish then closes its esophagus trapping the prey
This strange looking creature is called a striated frogfish. These fish are masters of camouflage. They only grow to about seven inches long. Striated frogfish do not swim around much. Rather, they rest on the seafloor and remain motionless. All of these adaptions and behaviors are reasons why striated frogfish are rarely seen by divers. When they need to move around, striated frogfish have a unique adaption that is akin to jet propulsion. They can suck in water through their mouth and push it through their body, exiting through tubes that sit behind their pectoral fins. Additionally, they use their bent fins as feet to walk around on the seafloor. Note how their fins are angled and act as feet in this photo.
Striated frogfish are ambush predators. They will “go fishing” using their first dorsal fin as a fishing pole. At the end of that fishing pole is a cream-colored lure (esca) used to attract smaller fish. These unknowing smaller fish come in for an easy snack and before they know it, it’s lights out. The striated frogfish’s lure sits immediately in front of its large mouth. The frogfish will open its mouth so quickly, it will rapidly draw water into its mouth, and with that water the prey. The excess water is channeled out through the gills. The striated frogfish then closes its esophagus trapping the prey. This all happens in the blink of an eye.
It is not common to see frogfish together, aside from their mating period. The female striated frogfish will grow to be larger than the males. In the photograph below, the female is the one on the right and the male is on the left. You can also see how their coloration can be slightly different. In fact, striated frogfish are capable of changing their coloration to match their background!
This photograph was taken at Blue Heron Bridge in West Palm Beach, Florida. This month we are featuring “Weird Wild” photography. This dive site is known for weird and wild sightings, I highly suggest it. Wild Boyz Photography has featured Blue Heron Bridge extensively over the years. Here are some of our favorite creatures from this wild dive site.
Striated frogfish are capable of changing their coloration to match their background
Did you know?
- When the frogfish is not “fishing”, the esca is rolled up and tucked against its body for protection.
- One study found frogfish inhale their prey in 0.006 seconds!
- The striated frogfish is also known as the hairy frogfish.
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