Batrachomoeus dubius

The eastern frogfish (Batrachomoeus dubius) is a bottom-dwelling fish endemic to coastal eastern Australia, from Fraser Island, Queensland to Kiama, New South Wales.^[2] It is an ambush predator with a large expandable stomach, capable of swallowing crustaceans, molluscs and other fishes whole.^[2]

Batrachomoeus dubius
'Eastern Frogfish' Batrachomoeus dubius at North Solitary Island, New South Wales
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Batrachoidiformes
Family:	Batrachoididae
Genus:	Batrachomoeus
Species:	B. dubius
Binomial name
Batrachomoeus dubius (White, 1790)
Synonyms
Lophius dubius White, 1790 Pseudobatrachus dubius (White, 1790) Lophius nigricans Forster, 1794 Pseudobatrachus striatus Castelnau, 1875 Thalassophryne coeca De Vis, 1884 Pelophiletor caloundrae Ogilby, 1907 Batrachomoeus minor Ogilby, 1908

Habitat

The fish is found at depths of 1–150 m along the continental shelf but also estuaries and inshore reefs.^[3] Rarely seen in the open, they shelter on rocky reefs and among seaweed or under rocks and in underwater caves.

Morphology

The eastern frogfish has a flattened head with a wide mouth surrounded by a distinct fleshy 'beard'.^[4] Its colour varies from mottled brown to pale grey or bluish-grey, with two broad bands and scattered splotches along the body.^[2] Juveniles are paler with broad bands. They reach a maximum length of 35 cm.