Red Angler (Antennarius sp.)

Species Name : Antennarius sp.

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Red

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 : 6"

Origin : Indonesia

Family : Antennariidae

Minimum Tank Size : 20 gallons

The Red Angler (Antennarius sp.) can range from a vivid red to a deep orange color. Their body can also change color to blend so if you think someone swapped your Angler for a different one, fear not. They often mimic coral or sponges around them to blend in with the environment known as cryptic coloration.  

Anglerfish should be housed in an aquarium of at least 20 gallons. They prefer a sand substrate and require plenty of live rock for hunting and shelter. Any tank mates that will fit into their large mouths can potentially become dinner and therefore should be avoided.

Red Angler or Red Angelfish are carnivorous and will eat tank members so be very careful with who you pair the Red Angler with. Its skin is covered in small filaments which help lure prey nearby. They use a powerful sucking mechanism to bring the prey closer before devouring it in six thousandths of a second. Its tip has a characteristic worm-like esca (lure) which, when waved, attracts unsuspecting prey.

If their catch is large their jaws are capable of spreading apart their thin, flexible bones. Then their stomach can expand tremendously to allow the larger catch to be swallowed. The combination of these features makes it possible for the Anglerfish to swallow and digest fish twice their own size.

In the aquarium they should be fed live small fish, brine shrimp, and ghost shrimp. They also can be aquarium conditioned with work to accept frozen and other prepared vitamin enriched meaty foods from a feeding stick (wiggled around near them) such as krill, silver sides, chopped crustacean flesh, bloodworms, chopped fresh fish, chopped mussels, chopped scallops, and chopped clams.

Size: Small: 1" to 2" Medium: 2" to 3" Large: 3" to 5"