Antennarius biocellatus

Lore & Background

Antennarius biocellatus was first formally described in 1817 by French zoologist Georges Cuvier under the name Chironectes biocellatus, though the type locality is not known. Within the genus Antennarius, this species is a sister taxon to all others. The 5th edition of Fishes of the World classifies the genus Antennarius in the family Antennariidae within the suborder Antennarioidei of the order Lophiiformes, the anglerfishes.

The genus name Antennarius suffixes -ius to antenna, alluding to the first dorsal spine being adapted into a tentacle on the snout used as a lure. The specific name biocellatus means 'two little eyes,' referring to two ocelli: one on the rear of the base of the dorsal fin, and another (not always present) on the caudal peduncle.

This species has a second dorsal spine longer than the first, and the illicium is tipped with a small esca. The second dorsal spine is not connected to the head by a membrane. The ocellus at the rear of the dorsal fin base is surrounded by a thin pale yellow, black-margined ring. The body is deep and slightly compressed.

Reader's Guide

Antennarius biocellatus is significant as a euryhaline frogfish found in the Western Pacific Ocean, from Indonesia and the Philippines east through New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, north to Taiwan. Records from elsewhere require verification. It inhabits depths between 0 and 10 meters in estuaries and inshore waters, including reefs, and has been recorded entering freshwater. This adaptability to varying salinities is notable among frogfishes.

As an ambush predator, it sits still and lures prey to its mouth using the esca. Females lay eggs in a gelatinous mass or ribbon known as an 'egg-raft' or 'veil.' The species is also notable for its taxonomic position as a sister taxon to all other Antennarius species, and for the twin ocelli that give it its specific name. Its maximum published standard length is 14 cm.

Did You Know?

• It is a euryhaline species that has been recorded entering freshwater.
• The second dorsal spine is longer than the first dorsal spine.
• Females lay eggs in a gelatinous mass or ribbon called an 'egg-raft' or 'veil.'