Freckled frogfish
📖 Overview
Freckled frogfish (Abantennarius drombus) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 104 metres. With a trophic level of 4.3, it is an apex predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal soft rays: 7. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D I + I + I, 12 (rarely 13); A 7; pectoral rays 12 (sometimes 11); last pelvic ray branched; illicium is short, about as long as second dorsal spine; second dorsal spine curved, not connected to head with a membrane; dorsal and anal fins ending at base of caudal fin (no caudal peduncle); differs from coccineus in the strongly modal count of 12 pectoral rays (vs. 10 in coccineus), the esca not white (vs. white), and more small dark blotches on the body and fins (vs. lacking). Colouration: head and body usually mottled red or yellowish to reddish brown, usually with numerous small dark blotches; median and pelvic fins with dark brown to black spots .Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Freckled frogfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 104 m , usually ? - 10 m. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Freckled frogfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.