🐠 Pygmy Frogfish (Antennarius sp.)
🐠 Pygmy Frogfish (Antennarius sp.)
Ambush Predator • Micro Reef Hunter • Marine Oddity • Display Species
📋 The Pygmy Frogfish (Antennarius sp.) is a miniature marvel of evolution, rarely exceeding 4 cm in length. Despite its small size, it’s an expert predator — capable of ambushing prey with lightning-fast precision.
Its tiny, compact body is covered in wart-like textures and soft appendages that help it blend into coral rubble, sponges, or macroalgae. Using its illicium (lure), it attracts prey close before striking at blinding speed.
Because of its delicate size and specialized feeding habits, the Pygmy Frogfish is recommended for experienced aquarists seeking a rare and captivating display species.
💡 Highlights
✨ Tiny predator: maxes out around 4 cm (1.5")
⚪ Incredible camouflage: blends with sponges and coral rubble
📏 Micro-reef suitable: perfect for small predator displays
✅ Unique feeding behavior: lightning-fast ambush strike
🐠 Rare and collectible: sought after by advanced hobbyists
🧾 A Quick Look at the Pygmy Frogfish
📛 Common Name: Pygmy Frogfish / Dwarf Frogfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Antennarius sp.
👨👩👧 Family: Antennariidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific • Indonesia • Philippines • Papua New Guinea
📏 Max Size: 4 cm (≈ 1.5")
💧 pH Range: 8.0 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Advanced
💖 Temperament: Solitary • Predatory
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ No – will eat small shrimp or tiny fish
🏠 Min Tank Size: 40 L (10 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom and reef structure
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes – sustainably collected from Indo-Pacific reefs
⏳ Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore (small crustaceans • fish fry • shrimp)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; males guard egg clutches
