Painted Frogfish (Antennarius Pictus)

Size: only S,M

Species Name : Antennarius Pictus 

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Pink, White, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4"

Origin : Indonesia

Family : Antennariidae

Minimum Tank Size : 20 gallons

The Painted Frogfish (Antennarius Pictus), also called Warty Frogfish or Spotted Frogfish, is aptly named the Anglerfish Warthog, which looks more like a rock or piece of coral. The common names "Anglerfish" and "Frogfish" are often used interchangeably. 

The Wartskin's colors can vary widely, from browns to reds, yellows to purples and white. It also has the chameleonic ability of changing color to blend with its surroundings. The coloring of the body is extremely variable because they always tend to match their living environments. Frogfishes have the capacity to change coloration and pigment pattern in few weeks. Changing colour is a part of their camouflage, therefore a Frogfish will not necessarily have the same colour in a domestic aquarium as at the dealer's. The Antennarius Pictus is a hardy aquarium member but not recommended for beginners. 

These fish are not very active and can be kept in a fairly small tank (depending on species) and can be kept alone as a "species-only" showcase. A good reef dweller, the Wartskin enjoys perching on coral ledges and requires a tank of at least 20 gallons. 

Frogfish will inflate with water or air if threatened by another predatory fish or if they wish to float along with the current. Anglers and Frogfish are ambush predators and can eat almost anything small enough to fit into their (very large) mouths. This can include other fish as well as inverts like crabs, shrimp and others. It hunts by lying very still and waiting for its prey, when the prey comes close enough, it shoots forward and swallows it whole. A Frogfish has a large mouth so it can eat fish and crustaceans that are close to its own size. To entice their prey, they have a fake lure with bait which protrudes from the top part of the head. They can move it around in different ways, depending on the prey and the light conditions. If their prey manages to bite off this lure, a new one will grown within a few months.

Antennarius Pictus  is a voracious carnivore which can attack all small animals that pass within its "strike range", mainly fishes, but even sometimes congeners. Its prey can be close to its own size. Best maintained in fish-only aquariums with tankmates too large to be eaten, or possibly a single species aquarium, or even reef aquariums, as it's it will spend most of its time in open areas waiting dinner.

It is important to have live food ready when acquiring a Frogfish as it is hard to get it to accept frozen foods. It is possible to "teach" it to accept frozen foods by waving it in front of the fish with tweezers or something similar. Take note: do not overfeed it, as it needs food only every 4 to 5 days, alternatively feed it more often but with smaller quantities. When it is overfed, it can stop feeding for several weeks, but will usually start to eat again thereafter.