Antennarius biocellatus (Cuvier, 1817)
Brackishwater frogfish
Antennarius biocellatus
photo by Shao, K.T.

Family:  Antennariidae (Frogfishes)
Max. size:  14 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia, New Guinea, the Solomons, the Philippines and Taiwan. Reported from Palau (Ref. 2847).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal soft rays: 6-7. Usually features one or two ocelli on the soft dorsal fin. Length to 14 cm (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by having variable colour, ranging from mottled tan or yellow to almost black; base of posterior dorsal fin rays with prominent pale-edged black spot; unbranched pelvic rays except posterior most bifurcate; illicium usually shorter than second dorsal spine; longitudinally folded appendage with numerous, slender filaments arising from base, esca; straight and free second dorsal spine; posteriorly curved third dorsal spine, 3.3-4.3 in SL; presence of caudal peduncle (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Unusual among antennariids in often occupying brackish or even totally freshwater habitats. Most specimens were taken at 10 m depth or less. Oviparous. Eggs are bound in ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called 'egg raft' or 'veil' (Ref. 6773).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  poisonous to eat
Country info:  Specimens were collected from Ambacan River at Baybay, Leyte in 1993 (Ref. 7223), Negros Oriental and Luzon. Also Ref. 2847, 6773.


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