Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply
Shipping Allowed?
| Tasmania |
YES |
| Western Australia |
YES |
| Northern Territory |
NO |
| All Other States |
YES |
The Sculpture Frogfish is a fascinating marine predator known for its camouflaged appearance, unusual body shape and ambush-hunting behaviour. Frogfish can closely resemble rocks, sponges or other reef structures, allowing them to remain hidden while waiting for prey.
Rather than actively chasing food, the Sculpture Frogfish uses its specialised illicium and lure to attract prey before rapidly engulfing it with its large mouth. Their ability to change position and blend into their surroundings makes them one of the most unusual fish available to marine aquarists.
They are best suited to a mature marine aquarium with plenty of live rock and suitable hiding areas. Frogfish are predators and should not be housed with small fish or ornamental shrimp that could become prey.
Quick Care Guide
| Care Requirement |
Recommendation |
| Scientific Name |
Antennarius sp. |
| Common Name |
Sculpture Frogfish |
| Difficulty |
Intermediate |
| Temperature |
24–27°C |
| pH |
8.0–8.4 |
| Salinity |
1.023–1.026 SG |
| Adult Size |
Species dependent |
| Diet |
Carnivore |
| Temperament |
Predatory |
| Minimum Tank |
100L+ recommended |
| Reef Safe |
No — may eat fish and invertebrates |
FAQ
What does a Sculpture Frogfish eat?
They are carnivores and primarily eat appropriately sized marine fish and crustaceans. A varied diet of suitable marine foods is recommended.
Can Frogfish eat fish larger than themselves?
Frogfish have remarkably large mouths and can consume surprisingly large prey. Tankmates should therefore be selected very carefully.
Can they be kept in a reef aquarium?
They can live among live rock and reef structures, but they are not considered reef safe because they may eat ornamental fish, shrimp and other small animals.
Do Frogfish need live food?
They can often be trained onto prepared or frozen marine foods, although newly acquired specimens may initially respond better to appropriate live prey.
Common Mistakes
Avoid keeping Frogfish with small fish, ornamental shrimp or other animals that may fit inside their mouth. Overfeeding, using inappropriate prey sizes and adding them to immature marine systems can also cause problems.
