Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body short, round, slightly compressed; skin scaleless, smooth, with many fleshy tabs; color varies, usually brown mottling on orange or yellow background; 1st dorsal spine modified as a 'lure' (fleshy bulb with filaments at the end of a small pole), positioned on the snout, to attract prey; gill openings limited to small pore behind pectoral fin base; pectoral fins angled, almost arm-like. |
Similar Species |
Other frogfishes have sandpaper-like skin; they are benthic and not found in sargassum seaweed. |
Habitat |
Gulf, usually clings to floating objects or sargassum seaweeds, can be blown inshore after storms |
Maximum Size |
20 cm (8 in), rarely larger than 11 cm (4 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. III+12 (1st spIne modIfIed); A. 6 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |