The 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
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.?
billy.t.williams12 says
I like the idea of them but wild is best unless its in a public aquarium.
gmale789 says
?
billandambermags says
Would be cool
Tyler says
These are crazy looking fish
Fawn Curtis says
Very interesting read. Certainly a challenge!
Fawn Curtis says
Very interesting read. Certainly a challenge!
Brian M Hoffman says
+2
ernie.alvarez0325 says
Seem like a cool add on to my tank. Never really thought about owning a frog fish ?
Carlos Matias-Tejada says
they’re difficult to keep. being only able to eat live foods
ernie.alvarez0325 says
Seem like a cool add on to my tank. Never really thought about owning a frog fish ?
Fawn Curtis says
See
Samir Kadmiri says
I think some tanks will do fine
billy.t.williams12 says
I like the idea of them but wild is best unless its in a public aquarium.
Jimmy Kok says
This just sounds like far more effort than it is worth, especially how little compatibility there is.
Eric Richardson says
want one
Alex says
use feeders
Carl Heller says
Very interesting fish
ryorzins says
This would make an unusual, colorful, interesting addition to the right tank. Love the red colored guy in the photo.
Ryan choy says
Frog fish always look crazy
Ricks Garage says
Some pretty neat creatures
Carl Rode says
Strange and still beautiful fish !
Eric says
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!
Austin Clark says
The frogfish’s abilities and speed is impressive when hunting.
Angel L Bunch says
I’ve never heard of these and now I want one!!!
Botzz28 says
Can you keep a frog fish or angler fish in a 15g nano tank?
Brian Veach says
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!
tonymutti says
Not really my thing, but I’m always tempted.
Edward says
Very interesting
matthew.k.wyatt says
Very good read!
Robert Sherwin says
I need a deep aquarium for this fish hahahha
jhoffman says
Very interesting read.
Jim says
Good stuff
pkrinsky says
So cool to watch them hunt
bundler says
Sounds interesting, but daunting to feed properly.
Victoria says
Amazing creatures
Matt Armstrong says
??
vosrichie says
My son says “I need one of those”.
Robert Sherwin says
A fish a frog a frog fish
Mark Weber says
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! ?
Mark Weber says
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! ?
kweisen-1082 says
Great read. Interesting fish.
Odo Dietel says
Really cool !
Eric says
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!
Eric says
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!
debken890 says
Awesome fish
cmykredesign says
I love Frog Fish I think they’re super cool!
oodydog says
Never have I seen one
Tiffany Hook says
So incredibly interesting ?
Stella says
Interesting
anatolek says
Have watched several documentaries on them and they are real cool fish!
Tiffany Hook says
Interesting thanks for sharing
Tiffany Hook says
Wow thats so interesting
Tiffany Hook says
So incredibly interesting ?
Tiffany Hook says
So interesting thanks for sharing
Tiffany Hook says
So interesting thanks for sharing
Scott Lazzaro says
Really fascinating fish
vegasv128 says
Sounds like a lot of work.
jhoffman says
Very interesting read. Interesting fish.
austin_renaud26 says
Frog fish are cool but definitely a little intimidating
Cassondra Cunningham says
He looks scary and awesome at the same time.
chief300 says
I’d like to keep one, they are cool
Isaac Guenther says
Nature is so fascinating!
sam says
now where do all my new gobies keep getting off to?
ply5757 says
Awesome fish!
Dallas T. says
Great fish —- but not for my tank!
robncasey says
Woah! Super cool! ♥
Michael says
Awesome
tbrown3589 says
Ugly fish but definitely eye catching!
brittneymlasley says
Very interesting!
brittneymlasley says
Very interesting!
Rex Camerino says
Yay
alenm826 says
You would have to be a special kind of person to have the time to feed and take care of these guys.
thook30 says
Very cool!!
thook30 says
Very cool!!
sharkbaitsnyder says
Always wanted a frog fish!!
sharkbaitsnyder says
Always wanted a frog fish!!
Ryan Kindle says
Sweet
Ryan Kindle says
Sweet
michellebeckman1984 says
Another awesome addition to my now-cycling predator tank!
James Bradshaw says
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
gerrynator4 says
Frogfish are cool! However, one wouldnt fit in my tank with nano fish.
Beth S says
Like octopus , putting hunter in a tank is for the very brave
Alexandra Gulledge says
That is a crazy looking fish. Very unique.
cayenne9479 says
great article
CHRIS GODFREY says
Those are really cool
dchoma says
My 17 yo old son wants one of these. He loves unique pets.
Robert Benedict says
Really cool fish. Great article.
Alan Biddle says
Not a good fit for my tank!!!
danielstrahan.11 says
I would love one but I’m worried about it eating other fish / the venomous aspect!
ROBERT SEYFARTH says
Interesting fish, but I prefer not raising fish as food for another one. I’ll skip this species.
nicole navarro says
Cool
Eric says
Frogs are way too cool!
Rick says
Those are cool
jason_lifted35 says
Frogfish are definitely are one of the coolest/strangest fish that we keep in reef tanks. Crazy colors and character.
Jacob Carpenter says
Awesome??
Angel L Bunch says
I’ve never heard of these and now I want one!!
Jacob Carpenter says
Awesome??
Aaron Prince says
Cool
alb2 says
Not something I would want in my tank but a very interesting creature indeed!
alb2 says
Not something I would want in my tank but a very interesting creature indeed!
teresaannehand says
strange looking fish
Dennis Ramirez says
These things are pretty cool
Raven says
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
Peter says
Nature is awesome.
drcjperry16 says
On my bucket list of fish
chrisddavis79 says
Wow what a crazy looking fish.
rocco.paul says
Nice article
chrisddavis79 says
Ribbit.
George S says
crazy looking fish. Some things should just be left in its natural habitat
George S says
crazy looking fish. Some things should just be left in its natural habitat
Wendy says
Strange and beautiful!
Jason A Dato says
I will get one for a nanotank.
Cody Reed says
Reminds me of my wife, lol I want one
deltaechosix says
What a great read!
kathyl.mitchum says
Not for me but interesting read
kevin.t1680 says
This would make an unusual, colorful, interesting addition to the right tank
Cristobal Barraza says
Nice info, thanks
sarah.sandpoint says
Wow! Cool fish, would be fun to keep one in a nano tank.
sarah.sandpoint says
Cool fish! would be fun to have a nano tank with one.
sarah.sandpoint says
Cool fish! would be fun to have a nano tank with one.
sarah.sandpoint says
Cool fish! would be fun to have a nano tank with one.
Little Tea says
So cool
b_burnett90 says
Not in my tank
kathyl.mitchum says
Not for me but interesting.
patscheuplein says
I like that they blend in with the rocks. They are cool but I couldn’t have one.
patscheuplein says
I like that they blend in with the rocks. They are cool but I couldn’t have one.
Joe Smith says
Interesting read!
Jeff Carr says
Nice fish, but not appropriate for my reef tank.
titanicwilliam says
Amazing fish! Wish I could get it!
Andrew Pellegrino says
I find it interesting how the frog fish uses nature to capture prey!
C. Yang says
My boys would love this but agree with others that it’s not appropriate for reef tanks.
C. Yang says
My boys would love this thing but agree it may not be the best for reef tanks.
ekersd says
We need captive breeding to make these guys more predictable to feed and stop wild collection of these super cool creatures.
Brad Martin says
Frog fish look really cool. I have never had one.
Brad Martin says
Frog fish look really cool. I have never had one.
Jonathan Morera says
I would LOVE a frogfish tank.
Jonathan Morera says
I would LOVE a frogfish tank.
blackadonai says
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
whittaker217 says
Interesting
Chris Briggs says
Interesting!
Brandon says
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.
Will says
Interesting, not very attractive, yet interesting.
sourdog22 says
I’ve always found these fish to be interesting
cranescoop says
Wild fish!
cranescoop says
Wild fish!
Daniel Olguin says
Very interesting fish I wish I can have a frogfish tank
Mark's fish tank says
Nice article
perru380 says
Wow what a fish
David J Todorov says
Pretty cool fish, but I am much to lazy to hand feed live food.
markwdunlap88 says
Noway I could keep something like that on my bedroom dresser without having nightmares haha! No offense frogfish!
mybuddykosar says
Good read
mybuddykosar says
Good read
Steven says
Thinking of getting a frog fish and putting it in my sump refugium
crplcarott says
Interesting fish. But even with me owning a smaller aquarium I don’t think it would be a good fit.
G says
cant have it eating all my fish lol
G says
cant have it eating all my fish lol
G says
cant have it eating all my fish lol
G says
cant have it eating all my fish lol
Gr says
cant have it eating all my fish lo
G\ says
scary but cute
G\ says
scary but cute
Abdiel Sierra says
Fun stuff
Menezes Industries says
cool, but i don’t think i could take care of one
Donald says
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
joshuastevens930 says
Not for me but very interesting
Andrea says
Wow, I have honestly not heard of these! They are wild looking though.
grammy6851 says
Kermit!
sclarke_o says
New to me … frog fish seem interesting!!!
paulmatthewguilliam says
Very interesting fish
Tian Sorg says
Sooo interesting!!!
dengwilliam96 says
I want one!
dengwilliam96 says
lets goooo
tcobosco says
Good read
robert.lowell says
I lost mine to overfeeding. It’s easy to do with these guys. I’ll never get another.
robert.lowell says
Interesting
Joseph Emm says
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
fedexman47 says
So cool would be a nice add to reef
chad.boehler says
Very cool read. These are amazing fish.
Jason Larawan says
the reverse of “I got your nose” lol
Alan J. Tomasetti says
wish I could have one in my tank, though it would eat all my little ones. The all black ones are super cool looking!
michaelruxton says
Not sure I want that in the same house I sleep in!
Raven Scholtz says
It wont leave the tank :-p
Christopher Hooks says
Very interesting fish is this reef safe?
Raven Scholtz says
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.
trizzi says
So cool!
Mathew0 says
They look really cool, but I think these guys can stay in the ocean.
Michael DiFiore says
Never seen a fish like that. Wierd looking but would be cool to have one.
Christopher Johnson says
Gnarly
Christopher Johnson says
Pretty nifty. I dont want one though
Stacy H says
Love how cute they are!
Jose says
Nice
Michelle says
Freakishly cool!
Kelly Davis says
I had never heard of these little critters until now. Pretty cool!
Alicia white says
I love this website so much, The customer service is absolutely amazing and they have the best macro algae
ajkg says
added on my todo list
Kyrstin Ponce says
These fish are awesome man. Would love to have one in my tank one day!
scott says
WoW
Britney New-Day says
The yellow and purple variety has always been a dream fish. The live feeding has always been the thing blocking me from getting one.
David Bommarito says
wow
David Bommarito says
neat looking fish
Kassandra Scott says
Not sure how I feel about frog fish yet…TBD… lol
Raven Scholtz says
I can understand your concern
Scott Allan says
Always a trippy cool looking fish.
Joel says
nice face
eric says
Dont think this is reef safe
jackbauer24.1 says
So unique and crazy looking.
Pete says
My son would love this fish. very cool.
Pete Tellers says
Such a cool looking fish!
Jonathan says
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.
blindfish21melon says
Very interesting read!!!
zdunbar8515 says
Super interesting Fish!
Andrew says
Amazing fish! I would love one in my reef tank, but don’t want to risk my small fish.
chriscatherman says
They are a neat creature! Never had one though…
Marijane Stevens says
They’re so cute!!
Tim T says
Kinda cute
Dustin says
Love them
Mason says
Nice!
Brandaise Martinez says
Cute!
Cary Waterhouse says
Wow
Cary says
Pretty cool. Need another tank I guess
Christian Mandilawi says
WOW this is great info
ASIM SG says
Nice
Elias Nasr says
Fun for a species nano biotope
Menerd The Menace says
I like those cute lil fish
Menerd The Menace says
cute lil fish
Eddie Fleetwood says
Would be cool to have if I wasn’t worried about it eating my $80 clown lol.
Kelly Pinckard-Hazzard says
Great info. Thank you!
Megan says
Very interesting and cool creatures. Very cute
David Beachner says
live food? can do it
CORY SANCECIZ says
Very cool
Leon Henson says
COOL
Premchander Reddy says
Amazing article
globalfisher says
Such a unique fish.
Jeremy H says
How cool!
Joshua Valladolid says
I thought they are poisenous aswell?
Barry Roper says
That’s an awesome looking fish…
Barry Roper says
I wish I could have one of those in my tank
joshua ramos says
Awesome
Wayne Zenecke says
Very cool
Wayne Zenecke says
Very cool
Wayne Zenecke says
I like frogfish but not in my system
Noah Fowler says
The sargasm fish is my favorite. I just recently lost mine and can’t wait to get another.
Marshall says
It would be really cool to experience a frog fish in a species only aquarium.
Fallon says
Such an amazing fish!
Darin Dooley says
Hope I get to see one some day.
Leyla O'Connor says
Learn something new every day!
Marilyn Prieto says
Great read! Keep the knowledge growing!
Ron says
Maybe one day
janelle says
still on the hunt for a dwarf frogfish with no luck so far
Suzi Lachowicz says
How big is a drawl frog fish?
Jared Bristol says
A unique species to keep for sure.
james haygood says
Learn something new every day.
RYAN LEE SMITH says
always love your guys post!
Josh says
Interesting fish
Nicholas Aguiar says
pretty cool fish. i would get one day.
Gordin says
OH WOW
Anthony says
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
Sean says
Very creepy
Jennifer says
He is ugly cute! I want him!
Jeffrey Miller says
Very interesting.
Channon says
Would love to own one these someday
professorcanswanky says
I absolutely love frogfish. Never kept one, but I hope to soon!
Noah Fowler says
The sargassum fish is my favorite of the frogs.
Leroy Lewis says
Love the colors but they look like a nightmare lol
Travis Callaway says
Setting up a tank now so I can have one of these cool little guys
Amber Breedlove says
I have never seen 1 in person but OMGGGG SO COOL !!!!
Brendan Thomas says
Very cool fish, maybe when I have a smaller side tank I can put one in it
Lisa Riggio says
Super duper cuuuute!
Rob says
Interesting
Ryan Oneil says
I’d love one
Curtis D Williams says
Not sure about these
Peter says
They are fascinating fish. I may get one when my current fish grow bigger so do jot become food for it.
Trevor Humphrey says
Hahah Love it but not today.
Ryan says
THEY ARE SHOKING TO CATCH ONE IN THE WILD
Jesse Manning says
I want one
sal pirruccello says
what a cool looking fish
Andrew Dickinson says
Grate info!!
Matthew Hazelbrook says
Total reefer goals!
Shawn says
come on free pods
Matthew Hubble says
Makes me want one! Reminds me of a Pokémon!
Mario Castillo says
Whoa, a frogfish!
Salvador says
These guys are wicked cool.
Tyler Firu says
wow that crazy
Jon Latourelle says
I want one!
Weston Zach says
Very interesting.
Serjay says
Nice!
Christian Thompson says
Wild looking dudes
DeAndre Cain says
very awesome indeed! If “Get over here!” was a fish #Mortalcombat
Andy says
Great post
Keith Winkelman says
Wow, super cool!
Scott Dixon says
I love Frogfish!! Never had one but they are unique looking for sure!
Joseph Uttlinger says
Crazy looking fish.
JohnR says
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.
HOLLY N WILLOUGHBY says
Very informative read on an interesting fish.
Rilee Trahan says
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.
Kristen says
interesting facts
Michelle Collins says
Different
Peter Stephens says
Cool fish
Lacy Croft says
Had one as a teenager in a stand-alone tank…choked to death on a goldfish…very sad.
Tyler Twigg says
Neat fish!