Side-jet frogfish

Abantennarius duescus

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

3.0 cm

Color

Tiny dark brown to reddish-brown …

Depth Range

?-137m

Family

Antennariidae

About

A tropical Indo-Pacific frogfish capable of jet-propulsion by expelling water from small gill openings, supplementing its slow stalking gait. Cryptically patterned; inhabits coral rubble and soft substrates.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	3.0 cm
Depth Range	?-137m

Coloration

Tiny dark brown to reddish-brown body with irregular cream to white mottling; very small stature with globose shape; warty skin texture; coloration closely matches encrusting algae on rocky substrates.

Habitat & Distribution

Tropical Indo-Pacific marine habitats including coral reef margins, sandy substrates, and rubble zones at 5-30m depth. Found from the western Pacific to the Indian Ocean.

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

?-137m

Geographic Range

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Extremely small reef frogfish with no culinary value; not consumed. Among the smallest of the anglerfish family — entirely of scientific and photographic interest only.

Taxonomy

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Side-jet frogfish?

Extremely small reef frogfish with no culinary value; not consumed. Among the smallest of the anglerfish family — entirely of scientific and photographic interest only.

How big does Side-jet frogfish get?

Side-jet frogfish can grow up to 3.0 cm long.

Where is Side-jet frogfish found?

Western Pacific restricted to reef habitats of the Philippines, Indonesia, and possibly adjacent Micronesian island groups. A diminutive frogfish found in shallow sheltered reef crevices and sponge gardens to about 25 m. Tropical Indo-Pacific marine habitats including coral reef margins, sandy substrates, and rubble zones at 5-30m depth. Found from the western Pacific to the Indian Ocean.

What family does Side-jet frogfish belong to?

Side-jet frogfish (Abantennarius duescus) belongs to the family Antennariidae (Frogfishes) in the order Lophiiformes (Anglerfishes).