🐠 Shaggy Angler (Antennarius hispidus)
🐠 Shaggy Angler (Antennarius hispidus)
Ambush Predator • Reef Camo Hunter • Marine Oddity • Display Species
📋 The Shaggy Angler (Antennarius hispidus) is a charismatic species that stands out for its long, hair-like dermal appendages, giving it a fuzzy or “shaggy” appearance. These filaments help it blend seamlessly with sponges, algae, and corals — perfect for ambushing unsuspecting prey.
It uses a specialized lure (illicium) to attract small fish and crustaceans, striking faster than the blink of an eye. Its body can change color over time to match its surroundings, making each individual completely unique.
Ideal for species-only or marine oddity aquariums, the Shaggy Angler is both a visual spectacle and a fascinating example of evolution’s camouflage artistry.
💡 Highlights
✨ Shaggy texture: long skin filaments mimic algae or sponges
⚪ Lightning-fast predator: one of nature’s quickest feeding reflexes
📏 Medium size: grows to 15 cm (6")
✅ Perfect display fish: thrives in peaceful, species-only aquariums
🐠 Rare collector’s species: highly sought after in the marine trade
🧾 A Quick Look at the Shaggy Angler
📛 Common Name: Shaggy Angler / Hairy Frogfish / Rough Frogfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Antennarius hispidus
👨👩👧 Family: Antennariidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific • Indonesia • Philippines • Papua New Guinea • Great Barrier Reef
📏 Max Size: 15 cm (≈ 6")
💧 pH Range: 8.0 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate to advanced
💖 Temperament: Solitary • Predatory
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ No – will consume small fish and shrimp
🏠 Min Tank Size: 100 L (26 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom and reef structure
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes – sustainably collected from Indo-Pacific reefs
⏳ Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore (small fish • shrimp • crustaceans)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; males guard gelatinous egg masses
