Splitlure Frogfish

The Splitlure Frogfish has a worm-like lure on its head and fleshy extensions on its body and fins that give it a rough, bumpy look. Its color varies from yellow, orange, green, gray, or brown to nearly black, often with streaks, blotches, or dark lines radiating from the eyes. It can change color to blend with its surroundings.

The Splitlure Frogfish often inhabits rubble areas and muddy or sandy seafloors, where it blends in and stays motionless to avoid detection. It is a poor swimmer and relies on its camouflage for protection, remaining still unless disturbed. It uses its worm-like lure to attract prey, striking with one of the fastest bites in the ocean. Its mouth opens so quickly that it creates a vacuum, sucking the prey in. It can even swallow prey nearly its own size.

The name Hairy Frogfish is sometimes also used for Antennarius scaber. However, Antennarius scaber is not the Indo-Pacific Hairy Frogfish, Antennarius striatus. This can be confusing because Antennarius scaber is also called the Striated Frogfish. For this reason, Splitlure Frogfish is now the preferred common name for Antennarius scaber.