Longlure Frogfish on Curaçao, the most common seen frogfish in the Caribbean

Longlure frogfishes are the most common seen frogfishes here on Curaçao, but even then it’s just occasionally. This specific one in the movie was filmed last Saturday during a guided dive. An extremely beautiful one, white with bright red markings and lips just like a little clown. Sadly when I went back to film some more yesterday there was no frogfish to be found anymore so this is all you get to see of it :-))

Luckily I know a spot where a tiny black one lives, so hopefully I will see a longlure frogfish later this week. Because they are so very well camouflaged it’s not easy to find them. You can imagine it’s a challenge to spot a new one, and when we do we can easily spend the remainder of our tank just looking at it and observing.

What does the reef fish identification book tell us about the longlure Frogfish?

Distinctive features: Numerous dark spots over body, some of which are occasionally ringed in white. Three spots on tail can usually be observed.

Description: Long, undivided whitish translucent filament, called a lure, just above lip. Large variety of color phases, including shades of deep red, white, pink, orange, yellow, green and tan. (see our pinterest page for all colors we already found!) Can change color, pale or darken to match background.

Abundance and distribution: Common to occasional to Florida, Caribbean, rare Bahamas (but seldom seen because the longlure frogfish has excellent ability to camouflage); also Bermuda and Brazil.

Habitat and Behavior: Inhabit reef tops. Often rest on look-a-like sponges, and usually go undetected unless they move.

Reaction to divers: Longlure frogfish apparently relies on camouflage, do not move unless molested.

Though we can never guarantee we will see any kind of creature, longlure frogfish, seahorse, turtle and so on, we will definitely be looking for beautiful things to show you during a guided dive. So contact us to schedule yours!

 

 

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