Hairy frogfish uses worm like lure to ambush prey

Hairy Frogfish are one of the lesser-known marine animals in the world. Among many strange characteristics, the one that sticks out (pun intended) is a special extra-long spine on the dorsal fin, called the esca. This looks like a wriggling worm and is used to lure in prey and other fish. Once they crawl in close they suck their prey up whole with a mouth that can expand 12 times it’s normal size! The esca is also able to regenerate if injured or even lost. 🤯

The hair-like protrusions on their yellow-colored body are actually an extension of their skin - which allows them to camouflage completely with the ocean floor or coral reefs. They even have the ability to change colour!

Have you ever seen one? 🐸🎣

📍Lembeh, Indonesia

National Geographic