Red Anglerfish

Red Wartskin Anglerfish: The Master of Camouflage

The Red Wartskin Anglerfish (Antennarius maculatus), often referred to as a Frogfish, is a captivating and highly effective ambush predator popular in the marine hobby. The "Red" variation showcases vibrant hues ranging from orange and red to pink, often mottled with darker spots or saddles, allowing it to seamlessly blend into red sponges and rockwork.

This species is a master of camouflage, possessing a textured, wart-like skin and the remarkable ability to change its coloration to match its surroundings. Instead of swimming, the Anglerfish uses its modified pectoral and pelvic fins to "walk" or hop across the substrate. Its primary hunting tool is the illicium (a modified dorsal spine) which acts as a fishing rod, tipped with a fleshy lure (the esca) used to attract unsuspecting prey.

Reaching an average maximum size of only 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm), the Wartskin Anglerfish is one of the smaller, more manageable Frogfish species. Despite its size, it possesses a massive, protusible mouth capable of consuming fish and crustaceans nearly its own size. It requires a minimum aquarium of 30 gallons with ample live rock for perching and hunting.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This is an obligate Carnivore and a highly effective predator. Its diet in the wild consists of small fish and shrimp. In captivity, it must be trained to accept non-living, meaty foods like frozen krill, chunks of squid, and marine shrimp, often requiring target feeding using tongs to mimic movement. Never feed freshwater feeder fish.
• Feeding: Due to their sedentary nature, Anglerfish have a low metabolism and should be fed sparingly, typically every 2 to 3 days. Overfeeding can be a significant health risk. It may initially require live food (like feeder shrimp) to initiate feeding, but conversion to frozen food is essential for long-term health.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. While it will ignore corals, anemones, and large mobile invertebrates (like conchs or snails), it will systematically hunt and consume any ornamental shrimp, crabs, and fish that can fit into its mouth. It is best housed in a dedicated fish-only (FOWLR) tank or a species-specific setup.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. It is peaceful toward humans and very large tankmates, but extremely predatory toward small fish and invertebrates. Tankmates must be large, robust, and fast-moving. It should be kept singly unless the aquarium is very large and the specimens are introduced together.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide low to moderate flow and plenty of crevices, ledges, and sponges for perching and camouflage. Since they are inactive swimmers, they require less open water but benefit greatly from a stable environment and excellent water quality.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Antennarius maculatus
• Primary Common Name: Red Wartskin Anglerfish
• Other Common Names: Wartskin Frogfish, Clown Angler, Spotted Anglerfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Must be trained to frozen meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat small fish and all ornamental shrimp/crabs)