Sanguine Frogfish

Familia: Peces rana (Antennariidae)
Tamaño: Hasta 10 cm (4 pulgadas) | Común 6 cm
Profundidad: 1 – 40 m (3 – 130 ft)

Distribución: Eastern Pacific (Gulf of California to Chile).

Identificación: A master of disguise that looks more like a sponge than a fish.

• Variable Color: They can change color to match their surroundings. Common colors in Bahia Solano include bright orange, blood-red, yellow, or mottled brown.
• Forma: Globular and lumpy skin texture that mimics sponges or algae. The mouth is large and upturned.
• The Lure: On top of its head, it has a modified dorsal fin spine (the illicium) tipped with a fleshy "bait" (the esca) used to attract prey.

Comportamiento: The fisherman of the reef.

• Walking: They rarely swim. Instead, they use their modified pectoral and pelvic fins like hands to "walk" slowly across the rocks.
• Ambush: They sit perfectly motionless, wiggling their lure to attract small fish. When prey gets close, they strike with one of the fastest bites in the animal kingdom (milliseconds).