English Name: Scarlet frogfish, Freckled angler
Family: ANTENNARIIDAE
Local Name: Kula bohmas Order: Lophiiformes
Size: Max. 13 cm
Specimen: MRS/U 188/88
Distinctive Characters: First dorsal fin spine free and modified as a lure. Second and third dorsal fin also free from the rest of the fins, well developed and covered by skin. Dorsal rays 12-13. Pectoral fin lobe elongate, leg-like. Gill opening restricted to a small pore located behind and below pectoral fin base, Caudal peduncle absent (dorsal and anal fin joined to base of caudal fin).
Colour: Highly variable. Often red or yellowish brown mottled and spotted with different colours. Habitat and Biology: Mostly benthic, coastal and surface waters to a depth of 100 m. Use their luring apparatus to attract fish and crustaceans on which they feed.
Distribution: lndo-Pacific eastward to the Americas.
Remarks: Antennarius coccineus is one of the masters of camouflage. Although it is not rare, divers can rarely see it because of its camouflage and infrequent movements.