Description:
A large frogfish. Short, globe-shaped body, large mouth, simple lucre (illicium) ending in tuft; pectoral fins like limbs, skin often has filaments and flaps hanging off it. Color and pattern highly variable.

Size:
to 33 cm (13 in).

Habitat, behavior and biology:
Rest on the bottom on rock and coral reefs, in recesses or out and exposed, from 4 to at least 45 m (10-150 ft). Solitary. Dangles its lucre to attract small fishes on which it feeds. Not easily observed because of its extraordinary camouflage, changes color over several weeks time. Looks like a sponge. When harassed, will open mouth and slowly jump/hop away.

Abundance:
Occasional but rarely seen, pinnacle at Dirty Rocks, south side of Manuelita and Isla Pájara.

Distribution:
Indo-Pacific ; Panama, Colombia and Cocos Island in eastern tropical Pacific.