Not too long ago we posted an interesting creature feature on the Pygmy Seahorse but here in Malapascua we can’t really pick a favorite as there are a lot of equally magnificent aquatic creatures that can be found here. So to continue giving you something to look forward to when you dive with us we’re featuring another amazing find, the Frogfish.
Frogfish (Antennariidae) belongs to the order Lophiiformes (Anglerfishes). Their first dorsal spine is modified into a luring apparatus that consists of a rod and a bait. They’re well camouflaged creatures that use a technique called “aggressive mimicry” to lure their prey closer and closer until they’re well within striking range. This makes them very successful predators. It’s quite a strategy that we’ll leave you to decide whether you think it’s being smart, or just REALLY patient.
Various types of Frogfish can be found around Malapascua such as the Giant, Clown, Painted & Spotfin. These creatures are loved by Macro Photographers because they’re so photogenic and generally very easy to shoot as they sit still for, literally, AGES. However, recent discoveries of a specific kind of Frogfish have gotten us here at Evolution very excited.
Today’s Macro Creature Feature belongs to the Marbled-Mouth Frogfish (Lopiocharon Lithinostomus). This species is a very rare type of Frogfish and is found only occasionally. Very little is known about these Marbled-Mouths. The few characteristics known about these rare yet fascinating creatures are as follows:
- Can grow to about 10cm
- Body is heavily mottled
- Long Illicium (Rod) covered with dermal spinules but nearly no Esca (Lure/Bait)
- Large, protruding nostrils
- Range restricted to Philippines, North Borneo & Irian Jaya
We had 2 recent sightings of Marbled-Mouths, one at Deep Slope and one at Gato Island. It’s very exciting to know that we have these creatures around the pristine waters of Malapascua. For one, you’d need to have eagle eyes as they’re really a tricky find. But then, that is what makes it so rewarding to find these creatures even more! And when you do spot them, we hope you find it as amazing as when we see them. So for the Macro Photographers and critter lovers out there, Happy hunting!
P.S Big thanks to our recent guest Bent for the pictures!
