ANIMAL SPECIES:Blackspot Anglerfish, Tathicarpus butleri Ogilby, 1907
The Blackspot Anglerfish uses it's pectoral fins as 'arm-like' appendages that can move individually to grasp objects or for moving over the bottom.
Thank you to Dr Ted Pietsch for identifying the fish and to J. Stocks for providing the image, movie and continuing updates on the fish which is now taking live prey.
Alternative Names/s
It has also been called Butler’s Frogfish.Identification
The Blackspot Anglerfish has a stout body with variably developed skin filaments. Its colouration can range from pale grey to greenish or brown with various markings on the head and sides. Its has tall dorsal, anal and caudal fins.
The pectoral fins are 'arm-like', the rays can be moved individually, allowing the fish to grasp objects and to splay the rays when moving over the bottom. The fish in the image was caught because it was holding on to the plastic mesh of a crab pot using its pectoral fins.
Size range
The species grows to about 10 cm in length.Distribution
It is a benthic species that is found in tropical inshore and coral reef waters of Papua New Guinea and Australia.
In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south on the east coast to southern Queensland.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Blackspot Anglerfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Classification
- Species:
- butleri
- Genus:
- Tathicarpus
- Family:
- Antennariidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Pietsch, T.W. & D.B. Grobecker. 1987. Frogfishes of the World. Systematics, Zoogeography, and Behavioural Ecology. Stanford University Press. Pp. 420.
- Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J., & G.G. Leyland. 1985. Continental Shelf Fishes of northern and north-western Australia. An illustrated Guide. CSIRO Division of Fisheries Research. Pp. 375.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Tags
Author tags
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
An Blackspot Anglerfish at Reefworld View full size
Jack Stocks
© Jack Stocks
what's on
18 Mar 08
See, hear, touch and even smell the world of dinosaurs.
Level 2, Dinosaurs Exhibition
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.