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 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Batrachoidiformes |
| Family: | Batrachoididae |
| Genus: | Batrachomoeus |
| Species: | B. dubius
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| Binomial name | |
| Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790)
| |
| Synonyms | |
Habitat
editThe 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ a b c 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
edit
Media related to Batrachomoeus dubius at Wikimedia Commons
