Batrachomoeus dubius
| Eastern frogfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 'Eastern Frogfish' Batrachomoeus dubius at North Solitary Island, New South Wales | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Beryciformes |
| Family: | Batrachoididae |
| Genus: | Batrachomoeus De Vis, 1882 |
| Species: | B. dubius |
| Binomial name | |
| Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790) | |
The eastern frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius is a bottom-dwelling fish endemic to coastal eastern Australia, from Fraser Island, Queensland to Kiama, New South Wales.[1] It is an ambush predator with a large expandable stomach, capable of swallowing crustaceans, molluscs and other fishes whole.[1]
Habitat
The fish is found at depths of 1-150m along the continental shelf but also estuaries and inshore reefs.[2] Rarely seen in the open, they shelter on rocky reefs and among seaweed or under rocks and in caves.
Morphology
The eastern frogfish has a flattened head with a wide mouth surrounded by a distinct fleshy 'beard'.[3] Its colour varies from mottled brown to pale grey or bluish-grey, with two broad bands and scattered splotches along the body.[1] Juveniles are paler with broad bands. They reach a maximum length of 35cm.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Batrachomoeus dubius. |
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Wikispecies has information related to: Batrachomoeus dubius |
- 1 2 3 Bray, Dianne. "Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius". Fishes of Australia. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- ↑ "Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790) Eastern frogfish". Fishbase. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- ↑ McGrouther, Mark. "Eastern Frogfish, Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790)". Australian Museum. Retrieved 14 September 2014.