Coral Reef
Frogfish / Anglerfish
More details
Orange Angler (Antennarius sp.)
Pro
Pro
Description
A bizarre and captivating ambush predator, the Orange Angler sports a lumpy, sponge-like body and walks across the reef using modified fins. Famous for its camouflage and lure-like appendage, it’s a living curiosity in specialized aquariums.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Orange Angler (Antennarius sp.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a species-only tank with subdued flow, live food, and excellent water quality. Not reef-safe; will eat small tank mates.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens are common. Sustainable sourcing is improving, but regional population pressures remain due to exotic trade demand.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Orange Angler (Antennarius sp.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a species-only tank with subdued flow, live food, and excellent water quality. Not reef-safe; will eat small tank mates.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens are common. Sustainable sourcing is improving, but regional population pressures remain due to exotic trade demand.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Orange Angler (Antennarius sp.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a species-only tank with subdued flow, live food, and excellent water quality. Not reef-safe; will eat small tank mates.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught specimens are common. Sustainable sourcing is improving, but regional population pressures remain due to exotic trade demand.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Orange Angler (Antennarius sp.)
Region
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