Frogfish (Anglerfish)
Clown frogfish (Steve Childs / CC BY)
Frogfish (Antennariidae) have globular bodies and large upturned mouths. Most species are extremely well camouflaged, and some can change colors. A frogfish attracts potential prey by wiggling its first dorsal spine, which has evolved into a thin antenna tipped with a lure. Their ventral and pectoral fins have evolved into hand–like extremities. Frogfish range from 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches, Randall's frogfish) to 30 centimeters (11.8 inches, giant frogfish) in length.
This supplemental online resource accompanies the book Scuba Diving Hand Signals by Lars Behnke, available on
Amazon.