Origin
Distributed across the Indo-Pacific, especially coral-rich reefs of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. Often found on rubble zones and sponge beds.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Bulky, warty body in vibrant orange hues with appendages mimicking coral or sponge textures. Moves by “walking” on pectoral fins. Uses an illicium (fishing-lure appendage) to attract prey.

Purpose
A showstopper for expert hobbyists and public exhibits. Adds personality, oddity, and rare predatory behavior to a species-focused setup.

Importance
Highly specialized. Offers insight into mimicry, ambush predation, and rare locomotion. Better suited to educational or display aquariums than general reef tanks.

Included Resources
Needs stable temperature, low to moderate flow, and high-quality filtration. Live rock for camouflage and ample open space for feeding behavior are essential. Feeding tongs often required.

Best Use Cases
Species-only nano tanks (20+ gallons), predator-themed marine displays, or expert public exhibits. Not suitable for mixed reef or community aquariums.

Conservation Context
Not evaluated by IUCN, but susceptible to overcollection in microhabitats. Promoting aquacultured individuals reduces pressure on fragile reef environments.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• None (species-only recommended)
• Possible with robust, non-edible inverts or larger, passive fish
• Do not house with shrimp, gobies, or small reef fish

Region (A)
• Latitude: -8.3405° S
• Longitude: 115.0920° E
(Bali, Indonesia – coral rubble slopes)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -6.3149° S
• Longitude: 143.9555° E
(Papua New Guinea – sponge-dominated reefs)