Also referred to as the Warty Frogfish or Wartskin Frogfish, the Wartskin Angler is aptly named, looking more like a rock or piece of coral. The Wartskin’s colors can vary widely, from browns to reds, yellows to purples and white. It also has the chameleonic ability of changing color to blend with its surroundings.

A good reef dweller, the Wartskin enjoys perching on coral ledges and requires a tank of at least 20 gallons. The Wartskin Angler is a hardy aquarium member but not recommended for beginners.

The Wartskin feeds by ambush, lying in wait for an unsuspecting fish or crustacean to go by and then lunging forward, grabbing and swallowing the victim whole. The Wartskin has been known to devour fish nearly equal to its own size.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. The Wartskin Angler should be given feeder fish and shrimp, but do not overfeed as the Wartskin may stop feeding.

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Striated Angler
(Antennarius striatus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: South China Sea, Sri Lanka
Family: Antennariidae

The Striated Angler Fish, also known as the Striped Anglerfish, is a member of the Antennariidae family. With a body of striped brown and tan, several projections give it more of an ornate rock-like appearance than that of a fish. These fish will alter its color to blend into its background, as can be seen in the above photo.

A good reef dweller, the Striated Angler Fish enjoys perching on coral ledges and requires a tank of at least 20 gallons.

The Striated Angler Fish feeds by ambush, lying in wait for an unsuspecting fish or crustacean to go by and then lunging forward, grabbing and swallowing the victim whole. The Striated Angler Fish has been known to devour fish nearly equal to its own size.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. A diet of feeder fish and shrimp should be provided. Do not overfeed as the Striated Angler Fish may stop feeding.

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Sargassum Fish
(Histrio histrio)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indian Ocean
Family: Antennariidae

The Sargassum Fish is a member of the Antennariidae family. With a body of mottled brown and tan, several projections give it more of an ornate rock-like appearance than that of a fish.

A good reef dweller, the Sargassum enjoys perching on coral ledges and requires a tank of at least 30 gallons.

The Sargassum feeds by ambush, lying in wait for an unsuspecting fish or crustacean to go by and then lunging forward, grabbing and swallowing the victim whole. The Sargassum has been known to devour fish nearly equal to its own size.

A diet of feeder fish and shrimp should be provided. Do not overfeed as the Sargassum may stop feeding.

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Red/Orange Angler
(Antennarius sp.)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Orange, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific, South Asia
Family: Antennariidae

The Colored Anglers can range in color from a vivid red to a deep orange coloration. Their body can also change color to blend with the surrounding environment over time. They require large amounts of live rock in a 20 gallon or larger aquarium.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. An angler may eat any small inhabitant of the tank (crustacean or fish) that is lured into its mouth with the use of an esca (modified first dorsal spine) that looks like a small, tasty fish. It will accept most meaty meals including feeder fish.

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Black Angler - Show Size
(Antennarius commersoni)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 10″
Color Form: Black
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Antennariidae
Swim Level: Middle to Bottom

The Black Anglers are jet black in color, with several white markings covering parts of the body, such as the fins. They can change the tone of their coloration to blend with the surrounding environment over time. They require some live rock in a 30-gallon or larger aquarium. These fish are very inactive, but make sure to provide a suitable sized aquarium for them as they grow to full size. A 30-gallon aquarium is sufficient for a fully-grown specimen.

An angler may eat any small inhabitant of the aquarium (crustacean or fish) that is lured into its mouth with the use of an esca (modified first dorsal spine) that looks like a small, tasty fish. In fact, these fish can even swallow prey their own size! It will accept most meaty meals including feeder fish and shrimp.

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