This is one of the few frogfish that is easily identified. We have seen these both in Hawaii and the Marshalls, although all the photos below are from Kwajalein. Marshall Islands specimens have been found under rocks and in patches of Halimeda algae from the intertidal down to at least 15m on both seaward and lagoon reefs. Most measure less than 25mm in length.
The tiny individual below as spotted in a lagoon Halimeda patch on 23 July 2012.
This species has a long, thin, orange illicium but lacks an esca or lure on the top. The illicium is easily seen in several photos of the small individual figured below.
A small specimen.
This one was in rubble along the lagoon reef in about 5m of water.
Created 5 June 2010
Updated 24 December 2019