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
'Eastern Frogfish' Batrachomoeus dubius at North Solitary Island, New South Wales
Scientific classification Edit this 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
  • Lophius dubius White, 1790
  • Pseudobatrachus dubius (White, 1790)
  • Lophius nigricans Forster, 1794
  • Pseudobatrachus striatus Castelnau, 1875
  • Thalassophryne coeca De Vis, 1884
  • Pelophiletor caloundrae Ogilby, 1907
  • Batrachomoeus minor Ogilby, 1908

Habitat

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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

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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

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  1. ^ a b c Bray, Dianne. "Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius". Fishes of Australia. Archived from the original on 14 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  2. ^ "Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790) Eastern frogfish". Fishbase. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  3. ^ McGrouther, Mark. "Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790)". Australian Museum. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
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