Keeping the Frogfish by Kenneth WingerterThe marine aquarium hobby has been dominated by corals–reef tanks–for quite a while now. As a consequence, over time, aquarists have shied away from many of the cool predatory fish groups in favor of “reef-safe” types. For sure, the designation of reef-safe doesn’t necessarily suggest a peaceful disposition; just think back on some of the tangs or dottybacks you’ve owned. Conversely, some predators are actually quite peaceful in the sense that they don’t attack any animals that they cannot swallow. Indeed, many of these predators won’t even harm corals. The only thing that disqualifies their reef-safeness is their tendency to consume smaller fish as well as shrimps, clams, etc. That all being said, the somewhat vague and fluid term “reef-safe” certainly might be stretched to include a less conventional, large reef aquarium community featuring groupers, lionfish, tuskfish, puffers, moray eels, etc. In other words, a community that may include predators so long as they are not coral predators. While these fish cannot be trusted with small, vulnerable, tasty animals of certain kinds, they will (more or less) spare your corals. But they get do get BIG and require oversized aquaria. There are exceptions to this, however; one such exception is the frogfish. Frogfish are a group of small (usually less than four or five inches length), shallow-water anglerfish that make up the family Antennariidae. Most if not all of the anglers you’ll ever encounter in the aquarium trade belong to this family. One big reason for this (in addition to the fact that many anglers live in very deep water) is that most of the other anglerfishes grow to large sizes. In addition to their modest mass, frogfish are (like most of their angler brethren) extremely slow-moving, low-energy animals and therefore can be kept in relatively (we stress relatively) small tanks. Frogfish natural history Antennariids occur in nearly all tropical and subtropical marine waters (with one notable exception being the Mediterranean Sea, oddly enough). The greatest abundance of frogfish lies within the tropics, with Indonesia being a particularly rich frogfish hot spot. Unlike so many of their anglerfish cousins which typically inhabit the dark abyss, frogfish tend to stick to the shallows (<100 meters depth). Frogfish habitat in general consists of rubbly, but fairly open, bottoms. The stone or coral rubble often is covered with seaweed, sponge, and/or other sessile organisms. Frogfish are masters of camouflage and mimicry, bearing adaptations such as body textures and colors that match their surroundings. In many instances, the animal blends in so well with its surroundings (including associated seaweed, sponge, etc.) that it may be difficult to see even when you’re looking right at it and know that it’s there. The short, stocky body of the frogfish is without scales. The skin may, however, be covered with tiny projections called spinules. A specialized dorsal fin spine, called the illicium, works like a fishing rod to entice and drawn in prey (in a just few species, the illicium is absent). The illicium is topped with what is called an esca, which acts as the lure. Every frogfish species has a unique esca; some resemble tiny shrimp, whereas some resemble worms, and some just look like little blobs. What is strange is that even though each species’ lure is quite distinct, all species have generalized diets that include virtually animal they can swallow (shrimp, small cephalopods and other fish including members of their own species). Frogs in the reef Forget that these animals are not particularly colorful, flashy or active. They absolutely do make amazing and unusually rewarding fish to keep. And, as indicated earlier, they do not require a particularly large amount of living space. They are not especially picky about water quality and rarely succumb to disease. Overall they are quite easy to maintain, but for one thing: Feeding. This isn’t a fish that will swim around nibbling pellets off of the aquarium sand. Frogfish are exclusively predatory and only accept whole, real foods. Some only accept live foods. This presents a few potential husbandry challenges. First, maintaining a steady supply of relatively large live food items (goldfish, ghost shrimp, etc.) can be costly and time-consuming. Then (in order to ensure highest nutritional quality of the live food), one must go through the extra effort of gut-loading the prey with a wholesome item (e.g. fortified spirulina flakes) just prior to feeding the frogfish. Then, you have to hope that the prey ends up in the frogfish’s mouth before it succumbs to the salty water. This is where smaller tanks actually assist in keeping a frogfish. In a small tank, the prey is always closer to the predator. Sure, you cannot keep active predators in a small tank, but those fish wouldn’t work anyway since they’d always steal the frogfish’s food. Certain small, slow ambush predators such as dwarf lionfish and waspfish, however, are appropriate tankmates since they have similar feeding requirements. In fact, it is possible to feed each individual in this manner with tongs. Once trained to accept food off of the tongs, you may even be able train them (including the frogfish) to accept frozen fare such as silversides. And the aquascape itself? There’s not much to it; just some rubble rock on the bottom and you’re good to go! These fish aren’t very picky about that, so long as they have some rock to walk over and grab onto with their hand-like pectoral fins. A moderately sized species tank is best for both these non-social creatures and their keeper. This makes keeping them even more easy and enjoyable. For sure, such a tank is a great diversion from the typical rigors of the “normal” reef tank!
Virginia Dominguez says January 28, 2022 at 9:44 pm Good reading! Frog fish are very interesting fish though I don’t think they are for me due to their feeding habits. I just could not put a poor fish to death to feed it.? Reply
billy.t.williams12 says February 28, 2022 at 2:19 pm I like the idea of them but wild is best unless its in a public aquarium. Reply
ernie.alvarez0325 says May 30, 2022 at 4:39 pm Seem like a cool add on to my tank. Never really thought about owning a frog fish ? Reply
Carlos Matias-Tejada says March 9, 2023 at 4:20 pm they’re difficult to keep. being only able to eat live foods Reply
ernie.alvarez0325 says May 30, 2022 at 4:39 pm Seem like a cool add on to my tank. Never really thought about owning a frog fish ? Reply
billy.t.williams12 says February 28, 2022 at 2:20 pm I like the idea of them but wild is best unless its in a public aquarium. Reply
Jimmy Kok says June 19, 2022 at 10:42 pm This just sounds like far more effort than it is worth, especially how little compatibility there is. Reply
ryorzins says January 31, 2022 at 1:01 pm This would make an unusual, colorful, interesting addition to the right tank. Love the red colored guy in the photo. Reply
Eric says February 26, 2022 at 6:36 pm I’ve always been fascinated by these specimens. If I had the room right now I would definitely do a species only tank of one! Very good reading as well! Reply
Austin Clark says November 3, 2022 at 3:48 pm The frogfish’s abilities and speed is impressive when hunting. Reply
Botzz28 says January 31, 2022 at 2:52 pm Can you keep a frog fish or angler fish in a 15g nano tank? Reply
Brian Veach says January 31, 2022 at 2:54 pm I’ve often thought about the term reef-safe and if it was fair to apply to any fish. Really though, it isn’t fair to call 1 fish not reef-safe based on a few particular traits. Good article and I’ll look into frogfish! Reply
Mark Weber says January 31, 2022 at 9:59 pm I wish they were reef safe and community fish. If I’m setting up another tank I’m gonna want to add corals and more fish! ? Reply
Mark Weber says January 31, 2022 at 9:59 pm I wish they were reef safe and community fish. If I’m setting up another tank I’m gonna want to add corals and more fish! ? Reply
Eric says February 26, 2022 at 6:37 pm I’ve always been fascinated by these specimens. If I had the room right now I would definitely do a species only tank of one! Very good reading as well! Reply
Eric says February 26, 2022 at 6:37 pm I’ve always been fascinated by these specimens. If I had the room right now I would definitely do a species only tank of one! Very good reading as well! Reply
anatolek says February 5, 2022 at 7:56 am Have watched several documentaries on them and they are real cool fish! Reply
austin_renaud26 says February 7, 2022 at 1:52 pm Frog fish are cool but definitely a little intimidating Reply
Cassondra Cunningham says February 7, 2022 at 3:11 pm He looks scary and awesome at the same time. Reply
alenm826 says February 10, 2022 at 5:14 pm You would have to be a special kind of person to have the time to feed and take care of these guys. Reply
michellebeckman1984 says February 14, 2022 at 3:11 pm Another awesome addition to my now-cycling predator tank! Reply
James Bradshaw says February 14, 2022 at 3:16 pm Always wanted to setup a predator tank since it’s so much less extensive than a reef tank. Frog fish would definitely be one of the habitants if I ever do it Reply
gerrynator4 says February 14, 2022 at 8:32 pm Frogfish are cool! However, one wouldnt fit in my tank with nano fish. Reply
Beth S says February 15, 2022 at 11:53 am Like octopus , putting hunter in a tank is for the very brave Reply
Alexandra Gulledge says February 16, 2022 at 11:25 pm That is a crazy looking fish. Very unique. Reply
dchoma says February 21, 2022 at 4:29 pm My 17 yo old son wants one of these. He loves unique pets. Reply
danielstrahan.11 says February 21, 2022 at 8:50 pm I would love one but I’m worried about it eating other fish / the venomous aspect! Reply
ROBERT SEYFARTH says February 22, 2022 at 7:30 am Interesting fish, but I prefer not raising fish as food for another one. I’ll skip this species. Reply
jason_lifted35 says February 26, 2022 at 10:47 am Frogfish are definitely are one of the coolest/strangest fish that we keep in reef tanks. Crazy colors and character. Reply
alb2 says February 28, 2022 at 5:13 pm Not something I would want in my tank but a very interesting creature indeed! Reply
alb2 says February 28, 2022 at 5:13 pm Not something I would want in my tank but a very interesting creature indeed! Reply
Raven says March 3, 2022 at 7:15 pm pretty cool fish do you guys help protect the issues of how coral has been dieing more recently too.I didn’t know frogfish where in the angel fish family both beautiful Reply
George S says March 15, 2022 at 4:04 am crazy looking fish. Some things should just be left in its natural habitat Reply
George S says March 15, 2022 at 4:05 am crazy looking fish. Some things should just be left in its natural habitat Reply
kevin.t1680 says March 28, 2022 at 3:04 pm This would make an unusual, colorful, interesting addition to the right tank Reply
sarah.sandpoint says March 30, 2022 at 8:56 pm Wow! Cool fish, would be fun to keep one in a nano tank. Reply
sarah.sandpoint says March 30, 2022 at 9:08 pm Cool fish! would be fun to have a nano tank with one. Reply
sarah.sandpoint says March 30, 2022 at 9:08 pm Cool fish! would be fun to have a nano tank with one. Reply
sarah.sandpoint says March 30, 2022 at 9:08 pm Cool fish! would be fun to have a nano tank with one. Reply
patscheuplein says April 4, 2022 at 6:19 pm I like that they blend in with the rocks. They are cool but I couldn’t have one. Reply
patscheuplein says April 4, 2022 at 6:19 pm I like that they blend in with the rocks. They are cool but I couldn’t have one. Reply
Andrew Pellegrino says April 6, 2022 at 12:00 pm I find it interesting how the frog fish uses nature to capture prey! Reply
C. Yang says April 8, 2022 at 4:37 pm My boys would love this but agree with others that it’s not appropriate for reef tanks. Reply
C. Yang says April 8, 2022 at 4:41 pm My boys would love this thing but agree it may not be the best for reef tanks. Reply
ekersd says April 10, 2022 at 12:18 pm We need captive breeding to make these guys more predictable to feed and stop wild collection of these super cool creatures. Reply
blackadonai says April 14, 2022 at 8:44 am Great read. I’d like to have a frogfish but I would have to set up a whole new system since I don’t think they’d do well in my reef tank and they certainly can’t go in the seahorse tank I have cycling Reply
Brandon says April 18, 2022 at 4:11 pm These are some of the most fascinating fish to me – I’d love to keep one in a dedicated environment someday… maybe after I upgrade my nano. Reply
Daniel Olguin says June 3, 2022 at 9:33 am Very interesting fish I wish I can have a frogfish tank Reply
David J Todorov says June 6, 2022 at 2:29 pm Pretty cool fish, but I am much to lazy to hand feed live food. Reply
markwdunlap88 says June 6, 2022 at 2:59 pm Noway I could keep something like that on my bedroom dresser without having nightmares haha! No offense frogfish! Reply
Steven says June 7, 2022 at 4:07 pm Thinking of getting a frog fish and putting it in my sump refugium Reply
crplcarott says June 8, 2022 at 12:09 pm Interesting fish. But even with me owning a smaller aquarium I don’t think it would be a good fit. Reply
Menezes Industries says June 13, 2022 at 8:48 am cool, but i don’t think i could take care of one Reply
Donald says June 13, 2022 at 2:39 pm Great I formation. Wish I had this kind of details before I had gotten mine. Had it for months until it decided to swallow a clown as big as itself. Both died from it. All in all it was an amazing fish Reply
Andrea says June 14, 2022 at 5:34 am Wow, I have honestly not heard of these! They are wild looking though. Reply
robert.lowell says June 25, 2022 at 6:11 pm I lost mine to overfeeding. It’s easy to do with these guys. I’ll never get another. Reply
Joseph Emm says June 28, 2022 at 10:41 am These are rather cute but being that they are predatory i just cant bring myself to feed a live fish to another fish for my enjoyment. all of my aquaria are lacking in the “predator” department. However for those that have the stomach for it, these seem to be a good addition to a larger tank that needs some …dare i say… feet on the ground ;D Reply
Alan J. Tomasetti says July 8, 2022 at 4:58 pm wish I could have one in my tank, though it would eat all my little ones. The all black ones are super cool looking! Reply
Raven Scholtz says July 13, 2022 at 9:00 am Frogfish are not a reef-safe species. These fish do well in tanks with live rock and happily co-exist with corals. Smaller fish and inverts are likely not safe with them as they are exclusively predatory. Reply
Mathew0 says July 23, 2022 at 1:30 pm They look really cool, but I think these guys can stay in the ocean. Reply
Michael DiFiore says October 28, 2022 at 7:22 am Never seen a fish like that. Wierd looking but would be cool to have one. Reply
Kelly Davis says November 3, 2022 at 10:48 pm I had never heard of these little critters until now. Pretty cool! Reply
Alicia white says November 4, 2022 at 5:18 pm I love this website so much, The customer service is absolutely amazing and they have the best macro algae Reply
Kyrstin Ponce says November 7, 2022 at 6:35 pm These fish are awesome man. Would love to have one in my tank one day! Reply
Britney New-Day says November 10, 2022 at 7:33 am The yellow and purple variety has always been a dream fish. The live feeding has always been the thing blocking me from getting one. Reply
Kassandra Scott says November 14, 2022 at 8:06 pm Not sure how I feel about frog fish yet…TBD… lol Reply
Jonathan says December 5, 2022 at 12:14 pm We had a frog fish for many years. Our biggest tip is do not feed them any bloated live fish. Any air in the frog fish would make you have to burp it. Which was a pain and stressful for the fish. They are awesome just really think about the responsibility of that fish they don’t move much and the cameo makes the tank look empty. Reply
Andrew says December 20, 2022 at 12:47 pm Amazing fish! I would love one in my reef tank, but don’t want to risk my small fish. 🙂 Reply
chriscatherman says December 20, 2022 at 1:20 pm They are a neat creature! Never had one though… Reply
Eddie Fleetwood says February 6, 2023 at 8:58 am Would be cool to have if I wasn’t worried about it eating my $80 clown lol. Reply
Noah Fowler says April 11, 2023 at 2:51 pm The sargasm fish is my favorite. I just recently lost mine and can’t wait to get another. Reply
Marshall says April 22, 2023 at 8:01 pm It would be really cool to experience a frog fish in a species only aquarium. Reply
janelle says July 26, 2023 at 4:33 pm still on the hunt for a dwarf frogfish with no luck so far Reply
Anthony says September 26, 2023 at 7:31 pm Brs is working on a predatory tank with a grouper ive also seen a grouper used to seed new live rock in a 2000 gallon tank Reply
professorcanswanky says November 12, 2023 at 9:32 am I absolutely love frogfish. Never kept one, but I hope to soon! Reply
Leroy Lewis says November 22, 2023 at 1:55 pm Love the colors but they look like a nightmare lol Reply
Travis Callaway says November 23, 2023 at 12:52 pm Setting up a tank now so I can have one of these cool little guys Reply
Amber Breedlove says December 1, 2023 at 7:03 am I have never seen 1 in person but OMGGGG SO COOL !!!! Reply
Brendan Thomas says December 5, 2023 at 5:27 pm Very cool fish, maybe when I have a smaller side tank I can put one in it Reply
Peter says December 30, 2023 at 2:33 pm They are fascinating fish. I may get one when my current fish grow bigger so do jot become food for it. Reply
DeAndre Cain says June 6, 2024 at 11:22 pm very awesome indeed! If “Get over here!” was a fish #Mortalcombat Reply
Scott Dixon says July 4, 2024 at 5:15 pm I love Frogfish!! Never had one but they are unique looking for sure! Reply
JohnR says August 8, 2024 at 7:50 am I have always loved the unique creatures that God has placed on this earth. There are some that I wonder why, but there is a reason for each. Reply
HOLLY N WILLOUGHBY says September 6, 2024 at 3:43 pm Very informative read on an interesting fish. Reply
Rilee Trahan says October 19, 2024 at 7:19 am Frog/angler fish have always been on the top of my ‘want’ list. This blog has offered information that makes me think it is possible to house one in my current setup. Thank you for taking the time to write it. Reply
How hard is it to keep a refugium? Adding a refugium to the reef tank system can be a game changer for some reef keepers! Most experienced hobbyists agree that a refugiums’ natural Read More about How hard is it to keep a refugium?
The Ultimate Housekeepers We at AlgaeBarn love clean-up crew critters and microorganisms, so welcome to the ultimate housekeeping celebration! At AlgaeBarn, we are highlighting our Read More about The Ultimate Housekeepers
CADE Aquariums: Reef vs. Peninsula Are you in the research and comparison stage of choosing a new system? Has your reef outgrown it's current home? If you’re just in the market to for a Read More about CADE Aquariums: Reef vs. Peninsula
