Warty Anglerfish

Antennarius maculatus

The Warty Anglerfish (Antennarius maculatus) is a small, highly camouflaged frogfish of tropical Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs. It uses a lure-like first dorsal spine to ambush prey and often mimics sponges or rubble.

Saltwater

Warty Anglerfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Short, rounded body covered in wart-like skin flaps and bumps
A fishing-rod-like illicium and lure projecting from the head
Irregular mottled pattern, often with pale, dark, or orange blotches on a reef-camouflage body

Habitat

Tropical Indo-Pacific reef habitats, especially coral heads, ledges, rubble, sponges, and algae-covered rock from shallow water to moderate depths; typically rests motionless on complex bottom structure.

Bait notes

Not a typical target species and is best regarded as a non-game reef fish. If encountered by anglers, small live shrimp, tiny baitfish, or small soft plastics may provoke a strike, but capture is uncommon and accidental.

Behavior

A sedentary ambush predator that “walks” on modified pectoral fins and strikes prey with a rapid suction gulp. It feeds mainly on small fishes and crustaceans and relies on camouflage rather than pursuit.

Caution

Sharp teeth and a very large expandable mouth can injure fingers during hook removal. Its skin is rough and warty, and reef fish consumption can carry ciguatera risk depending on location; avoid eating unless local advice supports it.

Fishing notes

Usually caught incidentally while reef fishing; very slow presentations near structure are most likely to get a bite. Handle minimally and avoid keeping it on the hook while removing from coral or rocks.