Identification
Individuals can be yellow, orange, green, brown or black. A short lure carries a tuft of flattened appendages. The bulky body and large mouth fit an ambush predator, but color alone does not distinguish it from other frogfishes. Compare the lure and fin structures as well.
Reef Habitat
The species occurs across the Indo-Pacific, with records extending to Hawaii and the eastern Pacific. It lives around lagoon and seaward reefs and can use artificial structure such as jetties. Many observations are from relatively shallow water, among sponges and other cover.
Hunting and Reproduction
Fish and shrimp are taken by ambush at close range. Remaining still and matching the surroundings allow prey to approach the mouth. Eggs are released in a gelatinous raft. The maximum length of 45 centimeters makes this an unusually substantial frogfish, but it is still easily overlooked when motionless.
Find the Eye First
A camouflaged individual may resemble part of the reef. Locating the eye and mouth helps reveal the outline without disturbing its cover.
All Lakes With Commerson's Frogfish
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Commerson's Frogfish records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.