Phyllophryne scortea

Lore & Background

Phyllophryne scortea was first formally described in 1918 by Allan Riverstone McCulloch and Edgar Ravenswood Waite, with its type locality given as Stansbury on Gulf St Vincent in South Australia. The genus Phyllophryne was proposed as monospecific in 1984 by American ichthyologist Theodore Wells Pietsch III, with Histiophryne scortea designated as the type species. Some authorities place this genus in the subfamily Histiophryninae within Antennariidae, while others recognize it as the family Histiophrynidae; the 5th edition of Fishes of the World does not recognize subfamilies within Antennariidae, classifying the family within the suborder Antennarioidei of the order Lophiiformes.

The fish has a smooth skin with no dermal denticles and no caudal peduncle. Its second and third dorsal spines are not hidden under the skin. The seven inner rays of the caudal fin are forked, while the outer rays are simple. The rear margins of the dorsal and anal fins are not connected to the outer caudal fin rays by a membrane. The skin bears scattered fleshy appendages, and the illicium (fishing rod) has an oval esca (lure) with filaments at its tip. Coloration varies from green, yellow, orange, brown to dark grey or black, frequently with whitish mottles or spots.

Reader's Guide

Phyllophryne scortea is notable as the sole member of its genus, Phyllophryne, which was erected in 1984. Its taxonomy reflects ongoing debate: while some authorities place it in the subfamily Histiophryninae within Antennariidae, others treat Histiophrynidae as a separate family, and the 5th edition of Fishes of the World does not recognize subfamilies within Antennariidae. The species is endemic to southern Australia, ranging from Green Cape, New South Wales and Tasmania west to the Houtman Abrolhos off Western Australia. It inhabits temperate waters on rocky reefs in bays, estuaries, and coastal environments down to 44 m, frequently hiding under rocks and among sponges. Its camouflage matches encrusting algae and sponges in its habitat. As a carnivore, it uses its esca to attract prey. It is oviparous: the female lays eggs on rocky surfaces, and the male tends them by curling around the eggs, protecting them between his tail and body. The species' maximum published total length is 10 cm.

Did You Know?

• Phyllophryne scortea is the only species in the genus Phyllophryne.
• Its skin has no dermal denticles and no caudal peduncle.
• The male protects fertilized eggs by curling around them between his tail and body.
• The specific name scortea means 'leathery', referring to the texture of its skin.