WATERY WEDNESDAY GREATEST HITS!

WATERY WEDNESDAY GREATEST HITS!!

We went to a coral reef for this Watery Wednesday! Coral reefs are like the rainforests of the oceans! Reefs are full of all kinds of strange and wonderful animals and we have a strange looking fish for you today! This fish grows warts! Yep, warts! Eeew! Let’s meet the odd looking fish…

MEET THE WARTY FROGFISH!

   Range/Habitat: Western Pacific-Indian Oceans/coral reefs

   Diet: Carnivore: small fish, crustaceans

   Length/Weight: up to 4 ½”

   Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Warty Frogfish are relatives of anglerfish.
• Instead of dorsal fins, they have long spines which act as lure to catch prey. If the top of the lure breaks off, they will regenerate a new one.
• Warty frogfish are ambush predators, meaning they lay in wait for prey to swim by and then they grab them!
• Young warty frogfish are white with yellow, orange or red. They develop their warty bumps as adults.
• Warty frogfish are experts at mimicry and camouflage. They don’t just blend in with their surroundings, they actually look coral!

Wow, warty frogfish are some crazy looking fish and excellent at blending in with their habitats!  If you didn’t see them moving you might just miss them! Plus warty frogfish is just fun to say! Try and say it fast three times! Warty frogfish, warty frogfish, warty frogfish! Poof- now you are one :)!

Check out this video of a warty frogfish ambushing its prey!