| Distribution |
All tropical and subtropical seas (but not in the Mediterranean), and some extending to temperate waters. Antennariinae: worldwide; Histiophrynnae: Indo-Australian Archipelago. Body short, spherical, and laterally compressed with lateral eyes; mouth large with 2-4 more or less irregular rows of small, villiform teeth on upper and lower jaws; tube-like gill opening under pectoral base, used for jet-propelling. Three dorsal spines on head, the anteriormost (illicium) free and modified as a lure, usually with a distinct fleshy bait (esca). Cutaneous filaments or appendages nearly always present; color and color pattern highly variable from white, yellow, red to dark brown and black. Several species appear to mimic sponges or sea-urchins. Juveniles and adults benthic in 0-300 m, with the single exception of Histrio, which pelagic in floating sargassum weed. Voracious carnivores feeding on fishes or crustaceans attracted by wriggling the bait. May resort to cannibalism, even if the other is a potential mate. Usually females lay thousands of eggs embedded in a large bouyant gelatinous mass; several species bear eggs attached to their body, whereas Histrio histrio produces a raft of eggs that floats at the surface among seaweed. Antennariinae: double scroll-shaped ovaries, broadcast spawners, going through a distinct larval stage; Histiophryninae: entirely different type of ovary, undergoing direct developmen twith various degrees of parental car |
Painted Frogfish 