Antennarius hispidus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Shaggy angler
Antennarius hispidus
photo by Honeycutt, K.

Family:  Antennariidae (Frogfishes)
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 90 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa, India, and Malaysia to the Moluccas, north to Taiwan, south to northern Australia. Single record from Fiji. Appears to be absent from oceanic islands of the Indian Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-7. First dorsal spine about the same length as the 2nd dorsal spine, with a large tuff of filaments. Ground color of head and body light-tan with narrow blackish brown streaks. All fins with blackish-brown spots. Illicium longer than next dorsal fin ray with small rounded to elongate esca (Ref. 48635). Attains 45 cm SL. Description: Characterized by having unbranched pelvic rays except posterior most; curved second and third dorsal spine; third dorsal spine membrane not reaching base of dorsal (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits still muddy habitats that are either deep or offshore (Ref. 48635) or shallow rocky and coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Oviparous. Eggs are bound in ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called 'egg raft' or 'veil' (Ref. 6773). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 57178. Solitary and often among leaf-eater debris (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 September 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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