Frogfish are one of the ocean’s most entertaining species to observe; if not for their ingenious entrapment technique, then most certainly for their awkward locomotion. The frogfish hails from the Antennariidae family, which includes several types of anglerfish. Instead of a typical dorsal fin, the bony frogfish is equipped with a rod-like protrusion with a bait-like lure at the end of it, not unlike a fishing pole. Depending on the species, the lure ranges in imitations of shrimp, worms, fish, or even just a squiggly lump. This lure is used to catch crustaceans, various kinds of fish, and — unbelievably — even other frogfish! As the rod extends past the frogfish’s head, it is an effective means of tricking prey into its waiting jaws, and the carnage is swift. In the blink of an eye, the frogfish swallows its prey whole, sometimes even when the prey is bigger than its own body!
But simply having a fishing pole attached to its body is not the entire reason for the frogfish’s success in predation. No matter what species, the frogfish has an uncanny way of blending in flawlessly with its surroundings. At times it resembles stones or corals, and others take the form of sea urchins, sponges, and sea squirts. Not only does this help entice their prey with what seems like a struggling little worm or shrimp right into their bellies, it can help them remain undetected by those that would prey on them. If their biologically-given form isn’t quite enough to get the job done, still other species can change their color to match the background, with no predator or prey ever the wiser.
These types of physical characteristics are quite an asset to the frogfish, who does not have protective scales on its body, making it quite vulnerable to harm. They are most vulnerable when they are moving along the ocean floor, due to the curious manner in which they do so. The frogfish body is stocky and solid, unlike many other fish, and instead of swimming, it uses its fins to walk on the seabed. Both the pectoral fins and the pelvic fins can be used to propel themselves, with the use of all four at once resulting in a sort of gallop that brings to mind the Landstriders from The Dark Crystal. This means of getting around makes them particularly vulnerable to detection by predators, so the frogfish’s clever disguises serve as a primary form of survival. Watch as these frogfish demonstrate their wacky way of “walking” on the ocean floor!
