Open Ocean (Pelagic)
Frogfish / Anglerfish
More details
Sargassum Frogfish (Histrio histrio)
Pro
Pro
Description
A cryptic, ambush predator that drifts with floating seaweed. Its camouflage and unique movement make it one of the most fascinating yet specialized marine species to keep.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Sargassum Frogfish (Histrio histrio)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires live food, species-only setup, and careful water quality management. Not for beginners.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Rare in trade and often wild-caught. Habitat loss of floating sargassum mats poses a conservation concern.
Origin
Native to tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Most commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean drifting in sargassum mats.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Mottled olive, yellow, and brown patterns mimic floating seaweed. Uses its modified fins to “walk” through algae. Has a specialized lure on its head to attract prey.
Purpose
Strictly ornamental and predatory. Functions as a living showcase of extreme camouflage and adaptation. Adds intrigue and rare motion to species-specific displays.
Importance
Highly sought after by advanced aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. Brings awareness to the fragility of oceanic drift ecosystems.
Included Resources
Requires live food supply (small fish or shrimp), stable marine conditions, and a tank with plenty of floating or anchored plants and hiding spots. Avoid high flow.
Best Use Cases
Species-only or predator-themed nano tanks. Not suitable for reef tanks or community setups.
Conservation Context
Dependent on the health of Sargassum seaweed habitats, which are declining due to pollution and warming oceans. Rarely bred in captivity.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• None recommended; best kept alone
• May tolerate small hermits or snails, but even these may be eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: 26.1224° N
• Longitude: -80.1373° W
(Western Atlantic – Sargassum-rich Gulf Stream zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 14.5994° N
• Longitude: 120.9842° E
(West Pacific – Philippines coastal sargassum drifts)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Sargassum Frogfish (Histrio histrio)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires live food, species-only setup, and careful water quality management. Not for beginners.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Rare in trade and often wild-caught. Habitat loss of floating sargassum mats poses a conservation concern.
Origin
Native to tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Most commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean drifting in sargassum mats.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Mottled olive, yellow, and brown patterns mimic floating seaweed. Uses its modified fins to “walk” through algae. Has a specialized lure on its head to attract prey.
Purpose
Strictly ornamental and predatory. Functions as a living showcase of extreme camouflage and adaptation. Adds intrigue and rare motion to species-specific displays.
Importance
Highly sought after by advanced aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. Brings awareness to the fragility of oceanic drift ecosystems.
Included Resources
Requires live food supply (small fish or shrimp), stable marine conditions, and a tank with plenty of floating or anchored plants and hiding spots. Avoid high flow.
Best Use Cases
Species-only or predator-themed nano tanks. Not suitable for reef tanks or community setups.
Conservation Context
Dependent on the health of Sargassum seaweed habitats, which are declining due to pollution and warming oceans. Rarely bred in captivity.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• None recommended; best kept alone
• May tolerate small hermits or snails, but even these may be eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: 26.1224° N
• Longitude: -80.1373° W
(Western Atlantic – Sargassum-rich Gulf Stream zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 14.5994° N
• Longitude: 120.9842° E
(West Pacific – Philippines coastal sargassum drifts)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Sargassum Frogfish (Histrio histrio)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires live food, species-only setup, and careful water quality management. Not for beginners.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Rare in trade and often wild-caught. Habitat loss of floating sargassum mats poses a conservation concern.
Origin
Native to tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Most commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean drifting in sargassum mats.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Mottled olive, yellow, and brown patterns mimic floating seaweed. Uses its modified fins to “walk” through algae. Has a specialized lure on its head to attract prey.
Purpose
Strictly ornamental and predatory. Functions as a living showcase of extreme camouflage and adaptation. Adds intrigue and rare motion to species-specific displays.
Importance
Highly sought after by advanced aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. Brings awareness to the fragility of oceanic drift ecosystems.
Included Resources
Requires live food supply (small fish or shrimp), stable marine conditions, and a tank with plenty of floating or anchored plants and hiding spots. Avoid high flow.
Best Use Cases
Species-only or predator-themed nano tanks. Not suitable for reef tanks or community setups.
Conservation Context
Dependent on the health of Sargassum seaweed habitats, which are declining due to pollution and warming oceans. Rarely bred in captivity.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• None recommended; best kept alone
• May tolerate small hermits or snails, but even these may be eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: 26.1224° N
• Longitude: -80.1373° W
(Western Atlantic – Sargassum-rich Gulf Stream zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 14.5994° N
• Longitude: 120.9842° E
(West Pacific – Philippines coastal sargassum drifts)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Sargassum Frogfish (Histrio histrio)
Region
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