Frog Fish
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Scientific Name: Scorpaena plumieri Price: Upon Request Origin: Eastern Pacific Family: Scorpaenidae NOT AVAILABLE NOW |
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Other Names: Pacific spotted scorpionfish, Spotted scorpionfish |
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Technical Info
Temperature: 25 - 27 ℃
pH: 8.2 - 8.4
GH: 8 - 12
SG: 1.020 - 1.025
Max size: 45 cm
Min Tank size: 150 Ltr
Position in Aqua: Bottom swimmer
Description
They have wide, fan-like pectoral fins as well as dorsal spines that make this a formidable looking fish. The fleshy plumes covering their eyes give them the appearance of a grumpy old man. Frog Fish usually have a reddish color. Their pectoral fins have a combination of white stripes and spots, hence the name. The tails also have three white stripes. You’d think all of this would make the Frog Fish fairly distinctive, but the truth is they are not always easy to spot, for several reasons. First, they are almost always stationary on the ocean bottom. When they come to rest, they stir up silt which settles along their body, effectively disguising them. Second, their red-rust hue becomes grey even in relatively shallow water. Lastly, their recognizable striped fins are only visible while they are swimming (or threatened). Nevertheless, once you learn to recognize them, you will start spotting them everywhere.
Food
Frog Fish feed mostly on other fish and crustaceans. They are ambush predators, using their camouflage to remain undetected by prey until they are within striking distance. This species has a wide, cavernous mouth used to quickly suck in and swallow prey. Predators of Frog Fish include large snappers, sharks, rays and moray eels.
Note
Frog Fish are venomous, like all its cousins. The dorsal spines contain the venom, although it is only used for self-defense.