Spotfin Frogfish (Antennarius nummifer) Care Guide
Antennarius nummifer, the spotfin frogfish, is a small reef-associated ambush predator now placed by FishBase in the genus Abantennarius.
Overview
Antennarius nummifer, the spotfin frogfish, is a small benthic marine fish of the family Antennariidae. FishBase currently lists this species under the accepted name Abantennarius nummifer (Cuvier, 1817). It is a sedentary reef-associated ambush predator with a wide Indo-Pacific and eastern Atlantic range.
Taxonomy
- Family: Antennariidae
- Genus: Antennarius
- Scientific name: Antennarius nummifer
- Currently accepted name (FishBase): Abantennarius nummifer (Cuvier, 1817)
Habitat
FishBase records the species in the eastern Atlantic (Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and St Helena) and across the Indo-Pacific (Red Sea, Persian Gulf and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Society Islands, north to Japan and south to New Zealand). It is reef-associated and benthic, occurring in intertidal zones and on reefs. Reported depths span 0-293 m, usually around 19-20 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Adult size: 10-12 cm (FishBase reports a maximum of 13 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 5-20 years
Diet
The spotfin frogfish is a carnivore. FishBase describes it as a voracious ambush predator that attracts prey by wriggling its bait-shaped first dorsal spine in front of its cavernous mouth. In aquaria it is typically fed live or thawed meaty foods such as silversides.
Compatibility
This is a solitary, bottom-dwelling species best kept alone or only with conspecifics of similar size. Smaller fish and ornamental shrimp would be eaten and should not be kept with it.
Breeding
The species is oviparous; FishBase reports that eggs are laid in gelatinous masses called egg rafts.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2014), as reported by FishBase.