Meet the warty frogfish a k a clown frogfish
Meet the Warty Frogfish a.k.a. Clown Frogfish. The juveniles are usually found in shallow coral reefs or around sandy/rocky shore lines. Frogfishes belong to the family of anglerfishes. Evolution turned their first dorsal spine into a fishing rod (take a close look at the pink pom-pom that is floating on top of its head!). By moving it they attract smaller fish which they then swallow as soon as they are in strike range. But besides that, they are really lazy and don't move a lot. Once settled down on top of a comfortable sea sponge (or similar), they just relax for the next weeks. They even can change their skin color to match their environment and avoid to be seen by unannounced visitors. True masters of camouflage. By the way: this lovely baby specimen was only about 2 cm long 😊
🐠 Antennarius maculatus (juvenile)
📍 Amed, Bali 🇮🇩
