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(histrio histrio)
Saltwater
A popular angler for it's appearance, it is found in tropical waters around the world , with the exception of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Other names for this fish are Hairy Frogfish and Sargassum Frogfish. It has several projections and a blotched and streaky yellow-brown color that makes this fish look more like a rock. Anglers have an appendage of long fleshy spine on the first dorsal fin, known as an illicium, with a tip which looks like a worm (the esca). Together, the illicium and esca look like a fishing pole with bait, thus the name "angler." These fish have 4 unique qualities: 1. can change its color to match the surroundings. 2. has unusual color patterns to blend in and for defense. 3. can gulp water or air in-order to increase its body size and avoid being supper for large predators. 4. bottom fins used to walk in reefs. Males being smaller than females is the only distinguishing difference between the two.
Size: sm. 1"-2"; med. 3"-4"; lg. 5"-6"
Tank: min. 40 gallon
Temperament: Peaceful. A more aggressive species of angler, it will swallow fish smaller than itself, and 2 to 3 times its size
Food: (Carnivore) live and frozen shrimp and fish (except goldfish; can pass on bacterial infections and upset the water quality of the tank), and other meaty items. It is gluttonous, feeds by ambushing its prey and then swallowing it whole. **Do not overfeed. This fish may stop eating.**
Light: High
Adaptation: Acclimates easily to aquarium life when it has a lot of hiding places and room to swim. It needs plenty of rock and coral decorations for hiding, camouflaging and preying. Does best with lots of live rock. Can reproduce in captivity but it can be very difficult to raise the offspring.
Compatibility: Can place with large aggressive predators as it is also aggressive but not with a tank full of smaller fish. Great choice for reef systems. They do not bother corals but will eat any fish it can get in its mouth. Use caution, in regard to size, when choosing tank-mates.
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