Batrachomoeus dubius
The eastern frogfish (Batrachomoeus dubius) is a bottom-dwelling fish endemic to coastal eastern Australia, from Fraser Island, Queensland to Kiama, New South Wales.[1] It is an ambush predator with a large expandable stomach, capable of swallowing crustaceans, molluscs and other fishes whole.[1]
Batrachomoeus dubius | |
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'Eastern Frogfish' Batrachomoeus dubius at North Solitary Island, New South Wales | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Batrachoidiformes |
Family: | Batrachoididae |
Genus: | Batrachomoeus |
Species: | B. dubius |
Binomial name | |
Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790) | |
Synonyms | |
Habitat
The fish is found at depths of 1–150 m along the continental shelf but also estuaries and inshore reefs.[2] Rarely seen in the open, they shelter on rocky reefs and among seaweed or under rocks and in underwater caves.
Morphology
The eastern frogfish has a flattened head with a wide mouth surrounded by a distinct fleshy 'beard'.[3] Its colour varies from mottled brown to pale grey or bluish-grey, with two broad bands and scattered splotches along the body.[1] Juveniles are paler with broad bands. They reach a maximum length of 35 cm.
References
- Bray, Dianne. "Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius". Fishes of Australia. Archived from the original on 14 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- "Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790) Eastern frogfish". Fishbase. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- McGrouther, Mark. "Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790)". Australian Museum. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
External links
- Media related to Batrachomoeus dubius at Wikimedia Commons