Freckled Anglerfish

The scarlet frogfish has large variety regarding its documented physical appearance. Reports of the scarlet frogfish state that this fish has been found in varying colours, specifically pale tan, mottled red and yellow, often with small dark spots on its body. It grows to a maximum of 13 centimetres (5.1 in) as a fully developed adult but can also be found at much smaller sizes. Size is not reported as being influenced by sex. Abantennarius coccineus has many characteristics common with the Antennariidae family. This includes being stocky and unstreamlined, having a scaleless body, bifurcated spinules, an upward pointing mouth with palatal teeth as well as the lure associated with anglerfish. Defining characteristics of Abantennarius coccineus include the last pelvic fin ray being split in two, its second dorsal fin being curved and having an illicium that is much smaller than the standard frogfish illicium length, previously recorded as being only 8.8% the normal length. Another unique trait is the growth on the top of its head that acts as a lure of which has a large variety, ranging from an unpigmented tissue lump to a long protuberance coming out of its head. Other identifying characteristics include a faint, missing or weakly developed basidorsal mark along with the lack of a distinctive tail base. …

The scarlet frogfish is a tropical salt-water fish. It lives in reef areas, within epipelagic waters in the open ocean (1–75 m deep). They are more likely to be found in waters less than 10 meters deep and are mainly benthic dwelling fish. It will only leave the ground to reproducem. The physical characteristics of Abantennarius coccineus such as their colour, patterns and bifurcated spinules allow them to blend in with the reef environment The frogfish uses this to its advantage by hiding amongst the rocks, sponges and coral within the reef to protect itself from predators and to ambush its prey. They are solitary fish and as such prefer to be alone and away from other scarlet frogfish.

Similar to all frogfishes, A. coccineus is a voracious carnivore which devours all small prey that enters within its reach. Like other members of the Antennariidae family, it has a solitary and benthic lifestyle, only tolerating each other for the simple act of fertilization. Frogfish express various behaviours when feeling threatened. To prevent attacks, they will either remain as still as possible, using their camouflage to hide or else they will use Batesian Mimicry. This is where a prey animal will mimic other dangerous species to prevent predators attacking. Antennatus coccineus is known to do this by resting on the seafloor in the way a sea urchin would or else picking up similar behaviours to the poisonous scorpionfish. Once attacked by a predator they use their mouths powerful suction to swell their whole body with water, making it difficult for any predatorial animal to swallow it. A unique behaviour to the family Antennariidae is the unique form of locomotion they have. Many of the fish in this family, including Abantennarius coccineus, can take water in through the mouth and expel it through gill openings similar to tubes, located behind its pectoral fins. Using powerful exhalation, it can propel itself forward and often does so to help ambush its prey. Antennatus is also mainly nocturnally active however still catches prey during the day time