Commerson´s
Frogfish
 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.
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