Anglerfish
Anglerfish (Frogfish): The Luring Ambush Predator The Anglerfish, commonly referred to as Frogfish in the aquarium trade (genus Antennarius), is one of the marine world's most fascinating and challenging inhabitants. Known for its remarkable ability to blend into its surroundings, this fish is the ultimate ambush predator. The general classification of Antennarius sp. is often used because Frogfish can quickly change their color and pattern—mimicking the texture of sponges, rocks, or algae—making specific identification difficult. The Anglerfish is a master of camouflage, spending most of its life motionless on the substrate. Its defining feature is a modified first dorsal spine, the illicium, which acts as a "fishing rod." At the tip is the fleshy lure, or esca, which the fish wiggles to mimic a small worm, shrimp, or fish. When an unsuspecting meal is attracted close enough, the Anglerfish executes one of the fastest strikes known in the animal kingdom, inhaling its prey whole. Speci