Latin name

Abantennarius drombus

Other name

Hawaiian freckled frogfish

Identification

Abantennarius thrombus has the generic name Antennarius with the prefix ab, meaning "away from," for Antennarius, a fish of the family Antennaridae. This indicates that the gill opening is located away from the base of the pectoral fin, where it is usually located in frogfishes. The specific name Drombus has not been explained and it is not known what Evermann had in mind when he named this fish.

The illicium of the freckled frogfish is short, about the same length as the second dorsal fin. 

Features of fish fins

This species has 3 dorsal spines, 12 soft rays on the second dorsal fin and 7 soft rays on the anal fin. The distinguishing feature that distinguishes the freckled frogfish from A. coccineus is that it usually has 10 pectoral rays while A. coccineus has 12. The second dorsal fin is not connected to the head by a ligament. The caudal ray is absent.

Fish colouring

The freckled frogfish varies in color from brown to reddish brown or gray, usually characterized by the small dark spots that gave it its common name, which are most prominent on the fins. The scales are not white, which distinguishes it from A. coccineus, which has white scales.

Distribution

Widespread in the western central Pacific, where it is found off Johnston Atoll, Midway Atoll and Hawaii. It is endemic to Hawaii.

Habitat

A tropical marine species. It inhabits shallow waters at depths of 0 to 104 m (0 to 341 ft), usually deeper than 10 m (33 ft) on coral and rocky reefs.

Size

The maximum published standard length of this species is 12 cm (4.7 inches).

Behavior

Freckled frogfish lead a benthic and solitary lifestyle.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on small reef fish. They may also eat small crustaceans.

Reproduction

Individuals mate during the breeding season, but do not tolerate each other after fertilization. The male may kill or eat the female if she is near. 

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.