Hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus) - hidden under the tentacles of a sea cucumber Frogfishes even lure in the dark. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. 6. © 2021 (Natural History on the Net). They get their name from the hair like … Hairy frogfish are excellent at mimicking seaweed here in the Lembeh Strait and the most common colored hairy frogfish variations that we see are orange, yellow, white, tan and black. 9. When the prey draws close enough the frogfish will start moving its lure to bring the prey even closer. When the intended prey is only a short distance away the frogfish will take time to carefully orient itself so it is facing its victim and it will adjust its mouth angle in preparation for striking. The Trichobatrachus robustus (aka the “hairy frog” due to the hairlike fibers found on the male’s skin) has the gross ability to break its own bones to fight off prey. Marine species which are known to prey on frogfish include lizardfish and scorprionfish. They are the only frog in the world to be covered in tiny hairs. They sit well camouflaged and without moving on sponges, wait in front of holes or hide between corals and wait for their prey to … Because of this behavior, they have little to fear from their own predators while being ignored by their prey, allowing easy ambush. Additionally, large aquatic frogs often eat fish and other frog species. When under attack, these frogs will quickly contract their muscles, snap the bones in their hind feet, and push the bones out of their skin to create protruding claws. This hairy frog breaks its own bones to extend cat-like claws, just like Wolverine In Cameroon, some frogs are nothing like the benign variety we're used to. The egg raft eventually sinks down to the bottom again when the embryos are ready to hatch. Hairy frog. They also are #5 on Fantastic Frogs (also with Titicaca Frog) and #8 on Defenses. The hairy frogfish is also known as the striated frogfish which comes from its scientific name: Antennarius striatus. 13) Striated, or hairy, frogfishes usually mimic algae or soft corals, but can occasionally mimic venomous black urchins. Habitat: North Atlantic, North Pacific. Once the prey is close enough, frogfish swallows it in a blink of an eye (attack lasts 6 milliseconds). They are associated with freshwater habitat. Also, it is apparently hairy. These teeth are ineffective when it comes to breaking down food. The hairy frog breaks its own bones when threatened and uses them as spines to protect itself. Even under water frogs cant be safe from hungry sharp toothed fish, swimming mammals like water shrews, and even diving birds! Lifespan: Up to … Reproduction is dioecious. And the hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus) has long, waving appendages that can resemble algae or even a spiny urchin. The lure is scientifically known as the esca. How many did you already know? This article highlights the frogfish of the info-pacific, found in the genus Antennarius.The Giant frogfish, Antennarius commersoni, has a large range and can be found throughout the tropical Pacific, Eastern Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Hawaii (Kona), Indian Ocean… This five-inch frog got its name because of hairlike projections that are present on … 5. Hairy frogfishes have tiny 5mm palatal teeth. 8. 2. Once the female lays her eggs under water, the male protects … Prior to mating (spawning) the female frogfish starts producing eggs (up to 180,000 eggs) and the male will begin to nudge her abdomen. This hairy frogfish has barely visible “hairs” which gives it a bald like appearance. Scientific Name – Trichobatrachus robustus, Breeding Season – Especially during seasons of heaviest rainfall; however, can breed at other times as well, Special Features – Broad head with a short rounded snout; possess retractable claws; males have three short ridges of small black spines along the inner surface of the first manual digit; breeding males develop dermal papillae extending along the lateral surfaces of the body and thighs, Geographical Distribution – Central Africa, Natural Habitat – Subtropical or tropical humid lowland forests, rivers, arable land, plantations, heavily degraded former forest, Diet – Slugs, spiders, myriapods, beetles, grasshoppers. Two hairy frogfish together are often a male and a female preparing for mating / spawning. Most rainforest frogs have pads of sticky hairs on their fingers and toes, as well as, loose sticky skin on their bellies, that make them great climbers to escape their predators. When two hairy frogfish are seen together it is often a female which is ready to mate and a male which is guarding her. The hairy frogfish has an extremely flexible stomach – so much so that it can swallow prey which is up to twice its own size. Hyperolius viridiflavus (Common Reed Frog) is a species of amphibians in the family African tree frogs. This doesn’t stop Cameroon locals from spearing and roasting hairy frogs as a tasty snack. Hairy Frogfish, described as Antennarius Striatus, are a little more complex than the average run of the mill anglerfish. If you're a predator… Hairy Frog. This camouflage is a type of aggressive mimicry—a strategy of resembling something else to gain an advantage over your prey. Animals that eat frogs for snacks include snakes, lizards, birds, and various small animals like hedgehogs. 4. They rely … The former have a paired internal vocal sac and three short ridges of small black spines along the inner surface of the first manual digit. “Amphibian horror” isn’t a movie genre, but on this evidence perhaps it should be. The lure looks like a fleshy worm and is specific to the hairy frogfish. When the frogfish spots its prey, it will follow the prey by eye movement only. We hope you enjoyed these frogfish facts and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Lembeh Resort and showing you our incredible critters here in North Sulawesi. Taxiderm specimen of Hairy frog in the Natural History Museum, London. They live near sandy bottoms, by coral reef, sponges, or hiding in trash and … These regal, bottom-dwelling carnivores are veracious predators and keen hunters with an insatiable appetite for fresh fish and seafood. They have sexual reproduction. 7. Although the lure and esca can not be seen during night, the potential prey can feel the vibrations which are transmitted through the water and attack what seems to be an incautious animal. THE NEWT THAT TURNS ITS RIBS INTO SPIKES. They like to make their homes in areas thick, lush forests surround fast-flowing streams and rivers. They are found in the palearctic and The Afrotropics. Hairy Frogfish Facts A-Z Collection of Cool Animals Challenge H is for Hairy Frogfish. Animal predators include birds, fish and reptiles. Despite having a hairy appearance the “hairs” are actually skin appendages or spinules which cover the frogfish’s body, head and fins. The Wolverine of the amphibian world: Claws burst through frog's skin when threatened by predators Trichobatrachus Robustus is a … All rights reserved. This month we are focusing on frogfish and we know that every muck diver, underwater photographer and critter aficionado loves the hairy frogfish but did you know that they don’t actually have any hairs? The Hairy frog is a very unique animal. Hairy Frogs are number 4 on The Most Extreme Oddities (along with Titicaca Frog). It’s more common to see frogfish “jumping” combined with gliding a few centimeters above the bottom. Frogfish is an ambush predator which hunts the prey using the element of surprise. Many frogs secrete a poison when they are attacked that makes the predator spit them out before any damage is done. Hairy frogfish are formidable predators. Frogfish can swallow the prey that is 2 times bigger than the fish itself thanks to ability to expand the mouth 12 times of its normal size. 10. The Hairy Frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) is a Central African species of frog in the Arthroleptidae family. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Frogs have to watch out for all kinds of enemies in the wild. Frogfish-Species: Allenichthys, Antennarius, Antennatus, Echinophryne, Histiophryne, Histrio, Kuiterichthys, Lophiocharon, Nudiantennarius, Phyllophryne, Rhycherus, Tathicarpus. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. They stay on land almost all year but they enter the streams or river to mate. Frogs that live in aquatic habitats generally consume insects and other aquatic invertebrates, such as crawfish. When the frogfish spots its prey, it will follow the prey by eye movement... 3. These contain arteriesand are thought to increase the surface area f… Image credit: Gustavocarra via wikimedia Since claws are not an option, the hairy frog decided that there had to be a better way to stay alive. The Hairy Frog is usually found in tropical rainforests but can sometimes be found in the savanna. Scientific Name – Trichobatrachus robustus Classification – Arthroleptidae Baby Name – Tadpole, polliwog, froglet Collective Noun – Army, colony Average Length – Around 11 cm (4.3 in) Life Expectancy – Not known Breeding Season – Especially during seasons of heaviest rainfall; however, can breed at other times as well Incubation Period – Not known Special Features – … Frogfish jump by sucking in water through the mouth and expelling it in jets through the small gill openings behind their “legs” – they really are jet propelled! They are actually skinny projections full of blood vessels, to help absorb oxygen from the water. The hairy frogfish is definitely one of our favorite critters here in Lembeh but it’s not the only species of frogfish that can be found in the Strait, other frogfish species we see include: painted, warty, giant, randall’s and ocellated. 5.Bombadier Beetle The bombardier beetle may look innocent enough, but it is famous for being able to spray boiling hot and chemically toxic bodily fluids in the direction of any would-be predator. 2. This incredible critter is full of surprises! While injury and pain would seem to be inherent in the action, the balance of risk and harm seems to be in favor of the frog, and against the predators. This hairy frogfish image was captured by our onsite Marine Biologist Dimpy Jacobs. When the pair are both ready they swim up to the surface together which is where the female releases her eggs in a ribbon-like mass known as an epipelagic egg raft. Sometimes they live on farms like tea plantation but they prefer mountain forests. Hairy frogfish can open their mouths extremely wide which allows them to suck in their prey whole – no chewing required by this critter! 3. The distance of one body length is known as the striking zone. Ground frogs can use their strong legs to move quickly away from danger, while tree frogs are capable of jumping from trees and gliding to safety. If the prey does not respond to the lure the frogfish will stealthily start to “crawl” towards its intended victim. Hairy Frogfish Aren’t Hairy! Juveniles can be just a few millimeters long and already have an active lure! 1. The male immediately fertilizes the eggs which remain buoyant for several days. 14) Juvenile painted frogfish mimic toxic nudibranchs. 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