🐠 Warty Anglerfish (Antennarius maculatus)
🐠 Warty Anglerfish (Antennarius maculatus)
Ambush Predator • Reef Camo Hunter • Marine Oddity • Display Species
📋 The Warty Anglerfish (Antennarius maculatus) is among the most visually striking of all frogfish species. Its bright oranges, whites, and yellows, combined with irregular wart-like skin textures, help it blend seamlessly into coral rubble and sponge environments.
Using a specialized lure (illicium), it attracts unsuspecting prey and strikes with jaw speed measured in milliseconds. Its body can subtly shift hues over time, matching new surroundings for superior camouflage.
Ideal for species-only predator tanks, this compact anglerfish rewards observers with extraordinary hunting behavior, unique locomotion, and dazzling color variations rarely seen in the hobby.
💡 Highlights
✨ Vibrant coloration: orange, white, and yellow with distinct warts
⚪ Lightning-fast strike: snaps prey in under a blink
📏 Compact size: grows to 10 cm (4")
✅ Perfect for species tanks: thrives in peaceful predator setups
🐠 Photogenic species: a favorite for macro photography
🧾 A Quick Look at the Warty Anglerfish
📛 Common Name: Warty Anglerfish / Clown Frogfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Antennarius maculatus
👨👩👧 Family: Antennariidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific • Indonesia • Philippines • Papua New Guinea • Japan
📏 Max Size: 10 cm (≈ 4")
💧 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 – may consume small fish and shrimp
🏠 Min Tank Size: 80 L (21 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom and reef structure
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No – wild collected only
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes – sustainably collected from Indo-Pacific reefs
⏳ Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore (small fish • crustaceans • shrimp)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; male guards gelatinous egg rafts

















