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Frogfishes or Anglerfishes sit in one spot most of the time. They blend in perfectly with the surrounding reef. Their pectoral fins are like little hands or feet, allowing them to hold fast to the reef or to even clamber about if necessary. One of their dorsal spines resembles a fishing pole with a lure at the end that dangles over its enormous mouth. Any inquisitive prey is engulfed within milliseconds. Its innards can expand twelve fold to accommodate any sized fish. They are not very good swimmers, but they use this huge mouth to gulp water and eject it under pressure through small round gill openings located far back on the body to jet-propel themselves around the reef. Commerson's Frogfish This animal is larger than most other frogfishes. It can be bright yellow, orange, red, brown or blackish. It is also found covered with spots, scab-patches and small growths. It can change color to match its habitat over a period of days or weeks. It sits around the reef all day mimicking sponges and other organisms. It has transformed its first dorsal spine into a slender, flexible, fishing pole with a fuzzy bit of flesh at the end. This illicium as it is called is used as a lure. If the fish aren't biting it will move to another spot. It can perch on an outcrop and spread its wing like pectoral fins and glide small distances of up to 20 feet. It will use its pelvic fins like landing gears and make a perfect touchdown. |
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