Fowlerichthys ocellatus

Behavior:

Experts at camouflage, frogfish are highly sought out as subjects by underwater macro-photographers. Ocellated frogfish are one of the largest frogfish species in the Western Atlantic. They use their pectoral fins to “walk” along the seafloor and their short lure to hunt most fish and crustacean species that will fit in their large mouths.

Predators:

Moray eels and other frogfish.

Did you know?

Frogfish have a modified and elongated dorsal ray called the illicium, which they use as a “fishing rod” to lure prey close so they can be eaten. The illicium may also have a role in attracting potential partners for reproduction. The illicium of the ocellated frogfish is noticeably smaller than the longlure frogfish, which is a useful way to tell these similar species apart.