The Hairy Frogfish Is Hairless and Not Actually a Frog

The hairy frogfish, scientifically named Antennarius striatus, is one of the most peculiar species in the frogfish family. This carnivorous critter can be found in warm waters across the world, including the eastern Atlantic Ocean and coral reefs along the coast of many tropical nations.

Its appearance is extremely variable, ranging from yellow to brown to green, helping it blend into surroundings like seaweed, algae or even sea urchins.

Its shaggy look comes from skin flaps that mimic hair, making it look more like a drifting tuft of ocean debris than a fish. These adaptations allow the frogfish to blend perfectly with coral and other reef structures, effectively disappearing in plain sight.

Like many frogfish species, A. striatus relies on stealth and lightning-fast reflexes to catch its prey.

It uses a special, extra-long spine — a modified dorsal spine — that acts like a fishing rod. The lure at the end, called an esca, wiggles like a worm to attract prey. You might recognize this method from the anglerfish.

Once a small fish, crustacean or other animal approaches, the hairy frogfish strikes. It uses jet propulsion from its gill openings and rapidly expands its mouth, creating a vacuum to swallow prey whole.

The entire action happens in less than 6 milliseconds, allowing it to outmatch even the quickest fish.

Other frogfish species, such as Antennarius hispidus and Antennarius maculatus, share similar tactics but differ in appearance. All are part of a group of benthic ambush predators with modified pectoral fins that function almost like limbs, allowing them to "walk" across the ocean floor.

When they do need to swim, frogfish use a form of jet propulsion: They suck water into their mouth and force it out through tube-like gill openings, which propels them forward in short bursts.

Hairy frogfish reproduction begins with the laying of an egg raft — a gelatinous mass containing thousands of eggs. The larvae float with ocean currents until they're ready to settle on the ocean floor. During the mating season, females may lay eggs twice.

Like other carnivores, they can exhibit aggressive behavior, even toward their mate. If a male stays too close after fertilization, the female may even attack or eat him​.

Frogfish rely heavily on camouflage, not just for hunting but for avoiding predators like larger fish and invasive species. Its body is covered in fleshy spinules ("hairs") that help it mimic algae or seagrass, enhancing its camouflage​.

They often rest near coral or seaweed, surrounded by structures that match their hair-like appendages. Their small size, unusual body shape and coloration all help them remain undetected.

Hairy frogfish thrive in diverse marine habitats, from coral reefs to sandy bottoms. They can be seen near the ocean floor, hiding among rocks or perched on patches of algae. Their habitat overlaps with areas rich in prey species, such as fish, crustaceans and even worms.

Their wide fins and stout bodies help them remain stable in currents. They’re solitary animals, blending in with their surroundings until food or a potential mate comes near. Some have been spotted in the Atlantic Ocean, while others are found in reef systems across the Indo-Pacific.

With their lure, lightning-fast jaws and unmatched camouflage, hairy frogfish are an evolutionary marvel. From their gill openings hidden behind their fins to their ability to hunt without moving much, these creatures show how specialized ocean life can get.

Whether resting on a coral head, hiding among seaweed or posing for a some underwater photographers, the hairy frogfish reminds us that the ocean is still full of surprises.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.