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Thread: Painted Anglerfish - Antennarius pictus

  1. #1
    Ákos Lumnitzer
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    Default Painted Anglerfish - Antennarius pictus

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    These guys are also known as Frogfish in parts of the world, members of the family Antennariidae. They use a cleverly disguised lure - often the same shape as their main prey's food item itself. The mechanism consists of an illicium (stalk) and esca (lure) and it invites unsuspecting fishes close to investigate and then in a millisecond they gulp the victim down using their extendable jaws that open into an incredible size to accommodate large prey. I also have some awesome video footage of this from a friend.

    We found this specimen on a night dive at the entrance of Botany Bay, Sydney almost ten years ago. Only the fact it moved gave away its presence.

    Nikonos III, 35mm lens, 1:2 extension tube, single overhead flash, Fujichrome Sensia II 100,

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    Akos,
    Seems to be an interesting creature. I wonder despite the bright colours how they camouflage themselves.

    I often find you talking about night dive. Are the chances of sighting these creatures more in the night? or is it meant to suit your timings?

    Cheers,
    Sabyasachi

  3. #3
    Ákos Lumnitzer
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sabyasachi Patra View Post
    Akos,
    Seems to be an interesting creature. I wonder despite the bright colours how they camouflage themselves.

    I often find you talking about night dive. Are the chances of sighting these creatures more in the night? or is it meant to suit your timings?

    Cheers,
    Sabyasachi
    They camouflage in a way that they appear to be just a colored lump, like a sponge. I have ample images to even illustrate the most common SE coast species Antennarius striatus - the Striped Anglerfish. They can vary their colors and Lord knows why, because there is no real need that can be perceived to 'look' a particular way.

    It does not need to be night to see these fish. One can find them in the daytime as well. I did like nightdives especially - though alone. As mostly, having a buddy would mean I would be always worried about what they were doing and whether they are OK etc. So this way, I had twin tanks = redundant air supply in case of problems with the open circuit system. And of course, sharks were in the back of my mind at all times. But no such bad luck. Phew. :)

    Thanks for looking.

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    This is nice one , How difficult it must be to spot them with such a great camo.
    Thanks for sharing

    Harshad

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    What a fish Akos.

    Very good camo. I can see you have good eyes!
    ATT. el gracioso.

  6. #6
    Fabs Forns
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    That is phenomenal camouflage, Akos, only the eyes give it away. I guess they are fierce predators.
    Thanks for sharing this one!

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    BPN Viewer Bruce Enns's Avatar
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    Very cools Akos! It is amazing how well they can mimic the environment...like you said, even with the bright colours, they just become part of the often brightly coloured reef.

    I am looking forward to more!

    Cheers!
    Bruce

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