Giant Frogfish (Antennarius commerson) Care Guide
Antennarius commerson is the largest tropical frogfish, reaching about 45 cm. A camouflaged ambush predator that lures prey with a modified dorsal spine.
Overview
Antennarius commerson, the giant or Commerson's frogfish, belongs to the family Antennariidae. FishBase records a maximum of 45 cm total length, making it the largest tropical frogfish. It is a master of camouflage and can shift colour through a wide range of hues over a period of weeks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Antennariidae
- Genus: Antennarius
- Scientific name: Antennarius commerson (Lacepède, 1798)
Habitat
FishBase reports an Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific range from the Red Sea and South Africa to Panama, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands and south to the Lord Howe and Society islands. It is benthic, occurring on lagoon and seaward reefs and jetties at depths of about 0 to 70 m, typically under 20 m, often among sponges.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (106 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-20 years
Diet
Antennarius commerson is a voracious carnivore. FishBase and Wikipedia report it feeds on fish and small shrimps, sometimes including other frogfish. It uses a modified first dorsal spine (illicium) tipped with a lure (esca) that resembles small prey, drawing fish close before engulfing them at high speed.
Compatibility
The species is benthic, solitary and largely diurnal, gathering only to mate. The verified record advises keeping it solitary or only with conspecifics of similar size, and avoiding smaller fish and ornamental shrimp, which it will eat.
Breeding
FishBase reports the species is oviparous, with eggs bound in a ribbon-like sheath or gelatinous mass known as an egg raft or veil. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).