Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790)

Introduction

The Eastern Frogfish has a large mouth, fleshy lips and a tasseled 'beard'. The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Queensland to central New South Wales.

Identification

The Eastern Frogfish has a large mouth, fleshy lips and a tasseled 'beard'. It has a large head with raised eyes and a wide, slightly concave interorbital region. The pectoral fins are large. The three short first dorsal fin spines are reported to be venomous. There is a pair of diverging spines on the upper edge of the operculum.

Adult colour varies from a mottled brown to pale grey or a deep blue-grey. Juveniles are pale with broad dark bands.

Habitat

It is known from very shallow waters down to at least 150 m in depth. It has been observed sheltering in holes on rocky reefs, kelp beds and silty areas.

Distribution

It is an endemic species that occurs from southern Queensland to central New South Wales. It is relatively common in Sydney Harbour.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

When captured, the Eastern Frogfish is capable of making a croaking sound.

References

1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
2. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.