Sculptured Frogfish, Halophryne queenslandiae (De Vis, 1882)

Introduction

The Sculptured Frogfish has large pectoral fins multi-lobed tentacles on the head and body. The species is only known from Australian waters.

Identification

The Sculptured Frogfish can be recognised by its distinctive body shape and multi-lobed tentacles on the head and body. The pectoral fins are very large. There is a wide, slightly concave gap between the eyes.

Eight species of frogfishes (family Batrachoididae) are recorded from Australian waters. The southern distribution limit of the Sculptured Frogfish is overlapped by the northern distribution limit of the Eastern Frogfish.

Habitat

It is found on rocky reefs and sandy areas, at depths of 15 m or more.

Distribution

The Sculptured Frogfish is an endemic species that occurs from northern Queensland, to northern New South Wales.

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

References

1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
2. Hutchins, J.B. 1976. A revision of the Australian frogfishes. Records of the Western Australian Museum. 4(1): 3-43, figs 1-17.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.