Freckled frogfish

Abantennarius drombus

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

12.0 cm

Color

Pale cream to yellowish body …

Depth Range

0-104m

Family

Antennariidae

About

A small Indo-Pacific frogfish with a freckled pattern of brown and white spots providing excellent camouflage on rubble and coral substrates. Ambush predator; gulps prey with a rapid strike. Found at depths of 5-30m.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	12.0 cm
Depth Range	0-104m

Coloration

Pale cream to yellowish body densely freckled with numerous small dark brown to reddish spots uniformly distributed over the body and fins; freckled pattern distinctive among Indo-Pacific frogfishes.

Habitat & Distribution

Shallow Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs at 3-25m depth. Found on sponges, coral rubble, and algae-covered substrates from Hawaii to East Africa. Prefers sheltered lagoon and back-reef habitats.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-104m

Geographic Range

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A small, mottled frogfish found in Pacific reef habitats; not consumed. No documented culinary use — too small and cryptically camouflaged to be of any interest to fishermen.

Taxonomy

Order	Lophiiformes (Anglerfishes)
Family	Antennariidae (Frogfishes)
Species	Abantennarius drombus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Freckled frogfish?

A small, mottled frogfish found in Pacific reef habitats; not consumed. No documented culinary use — too small and cryptically camouflaged to be of any interest to fishermen.

How big does Freckled frogfish get?

Freckled frogfish can grow up to 12.0 cm long.

Where is Freckled frogfish found?

Central Pacific Ocean from Hawaii and Johnston Atoll south and west to the Line Islands and central Polynesia. Found on shallow coral reefs, particularly in algae-covered rubble zones and around head corals to 30 m depth. Shallow Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs at 3-25m depth. Found on sponges, coral rubble, and algae-covered substrates from Hawaii to East Africa. Prefers sheltered lagoon and back-reef habitats.

What family does Freckled frogfish belong to?

Freckled frogfish (Abantennarius drombus) belongs to the family Antennariidae (Frogfishes) in the order Lophiiformes (Anglerfishes).