Latin name

Antennatus tuberosus

Other name

Pygmy angler, pygmy frogfis, tuberculated frogfish.

Identification

Have a long illicium that is 50-100% longer than the second dorsal process, which tapers to a simple filiform process or lure. The second dorsal process is cylindrical, while the third process is enclosed in a dermal tubercle. There is no depression between the maxilla and the base of the illicium. The caudal protuberance is absent. There are no scales on the skin, but the skin is thick and elastic and covered with a dense layer of forked spines. 

Features of fish fins

The pectoral fins, like the limbs, have an elbow-like joint. The posterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins are attached to the upper rays of the caudal fin. Dorsal rays (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7-8. 

Fish colouring

Body color can vary, but is usually cream, yellow, or bluish gray with dark brown veins and marbling. There is a whitish, crusty pattern on the head. The anal and caudal fins have a conspicuous dark brown border and dark stripes along the edges.

Distribution

Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans from Mozambique and Madagascar east to Hawaii and the Pitcairn Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia and Tonga. In Australia, north of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Habitat

A tropical marine bottom dweller. They live at depths down to 73 m (240 ft) on coastal coral reefs.

Size

The maximum published length of this species is 9 cm (3.5 in).

Behavior

It is a solitary species often found on the branches of branching corals. 

Food and feeding habits

They are ambush predators, camouflaging themselves in the reef and using the illicium to lure prey within striking distance with their large mouths.

Reproduction

An oviparous species, females lay eggs in ribbon-shaped gelatinous masses called "egg ruffs" or "veils" that float.

Fishing

Tuberculate anglerfish are sometimes collected for the aquarium trade.

Relationship with a person

Poisonous to eat.