The hairy frogfish is also known as the striated frogfish which comes from its scientific name: Antennarius striatus. Because of this behavior, they have little to fear from their own predators while being ignored by their prey, allowing easy ambush. The hairy frog breaks its own bones when threatened and uses them as spines to protect itself. Image captured by our Dive Guide Jhoe! They like to make their homes in areas thick, lush forests surround fast-flowing streams and rivers. 7. The hairy frog or “horror frog” actively breaks its own toe bones when threatened, which then puncture the skin resulting in a set of cat-like claws. The lure is scientifically known as the esca. The egg raft eventually sinks down to the bottom again when the embryos are ready to hatch. How many did you already know? Many of these frogs live in high trees for safety. © 2021 (Natural History on the Net). Some frogs use sounds such as extreme bellowing or screaming to scare off predators. These regal, bottom-dwelling carnivores are veracious predators and keen hunters with an insatiable appetite for fresh fish and seafood. This doesn’t stop Cameroon locals from spearing and roasting hairy frogs as a tasty snack. Animals that eat frogs for snacks include snakes, lizards, birds, and various small animals like hedgehogs. Once the female lays her eggs under water, the male protects … When the frogfish spots its prey, it will follow the prey by eye movement only. 9. They have sexual reproduction. They are associated with freshwater habitat. Hairy Frogs are number 4 on The Most Extreme Oddities (along with Titicaca Frog). These are some of the animals with extraordinary chemical defence mechanism: MALAYSIAN EXPLODING ANT image: (Image via cafeguaguau) You know Malaysian ants – always exploding all over themselves, ruining the fun. The hairy frogfish is definitely one of our favorite critters here in Lembeh but it’s not the only species of frogfish that can be found in the Strait, other frogfish species we see include: painted, warty, giant, randall’s and ocellated. If a hairy frogfish tries to swallow something larger than its stomach can cope with, it has to spit it back out. Hairy Frogfish are a type of anglerfish from the Antennariidae family, found in almost all tropical and subtropical oceans and seas around the world, with the exception of the Mediterranean Sea. They rely … The former have a paired internal vocal sac and three short ridges of small black spines along the inner surface of the first manual digit. Scientific Name – Trichobatrachus robustus, Breeding Season – Especially during seasons of heaviest rainfall; however, can breed at other times as well, Special Features – Broad head with a short rounded snout; possess retractable claws; males have three short ridges of small black spines along the inner surface of the first manual digit; breeding males develop dermal papillae extending along the lateral surfaces of the body and thighs, Geographical Distribution – Central Africa, Natural Habitat – Subtropical or tropical humid lowland forests, rivers, arable land, plantations, heavily degraded former forest, Diet – Slugs, spiders, myriapods, beetles, grasshoppers. Hairy Frogfish, described as Antennarius Striatus, are a little more complex than the average run of the mill anglerfish. Type of Animal: Bird. Reproduction is dioecious. These spinules can be copious and long or very short or even almost invisible. It’s more common to see frogfish “jumping” combined with gliding a few centimeters above the bottom. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Males are about 10–13 cm (4–5 in) long from snout to vent, while females are 8–11 cm (3–4.5 in). The twelve genera of Antennaridae (antennae bearing) Frogfish are found nearly worldwide but tend to be bunched as species in different oceans. Northern Fulmar. Have you ever seen a hairy frogfish move? Despite having a hairy appearance the “hairs” are actually skin appendages or spinules which cover the frogfish’s body, head and fins. 1. Frogfish are extremely good at blending in with their surroundings and hiding in plain sight. Harvard biologists have described a bizarre, hairy frog with cat-like extendable claws. If the prey does not respond to the lure the frogfish will stealthily start to “crawl” towards its intended victim. Prior to mating (spawning) the female frogfish starts producing eggs (up to 180,000 eggs) and the male will begin to nudge her abdomen. 3. When the pair are both ready they swim up to the surface together which is where the female releases her eggs in a ribbon-like mass known as an epipelagic egg raft. Some people Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Hairy frogfish are excellent at mimicking seaweed here in the Lembeh Strait and the most common colored hairy frogfish variations that we see are orange, yellow, white, tan and black. Hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus) - hidden under the tentacles of a sea cucumber Frogfishes even lure in the dark. Hairy Frogfish Facts A-Z Collection of Cool Animals Challenge H is for Hairy Frogfish. Scientific Name – Trichobatrachus robustus Classification – Arthroleptidae Baby Name – Tadpole, polliwog, froglet Collective Noun – Army, colony Average Length – Around 11 cm (4.3 in) Life Expectancy – Not known Breeding Season – Especially during seasons of heaviest rainfall; however, can breed at other times as well Incubation Period – Not known Special Features – … 5.Bombadier Beetle The bombardier beetle may look innocent enough, but it is famous for being able to spray boiling hot and chemically toxic bodily fluids in the direction of any would-be predator. This month we are focusing on frogfish and we know that every muck diver, underwater photographer and critter aficionado loves the hairy frogfish but did you know that they don’t actually have any hairs? The lure looks like a fleshy worm and is specific to the hairy frogfish. Hairy frogfish are formidable predators. Essentially, this frog is the Wolverine (the character, not the actual animal) of the animal kingdom. The hairy frog has evolved a defense mechanism that sounds painful to me. You would think that breaking your bones would work by irritating the would be predator, but this is not the case. The Hairy Frog is classified as Least Concern. 14) Juvenile painted frogfish mimic toxic nudibranchs. They also are #5 on Fantastic Frogs (also with Titicaca Frog) and #8 on Defenses. A lucky escape for the victim which will often be able to swim away – all be it a little dazed by the attack! This article highlights the frogfish of the info-pacific, found in the genus Antennarius.The Giant frogfish, Antennarius commersoni, has a large range and can be found throughout the tropical Pacific, Eastern Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Hawaii (Kona), Indian Ocean… 1. The Insatiable Hairy Frogfish – YouTube Striated Frogfish Mating – YouTube As all frogfishes, A. hispidus is a voracious carnivore which will devour all right-sized prey that pass within reach, usually other fish, but sometimes even its own kind. They stay on land almost all year but they enter the streams or river to mate. They get their name from the hair like … Lifespan: Up to … There are a wide variety of frog predators. 8. The adaptation of this animal is the ability to crack its own toe bones and stuff them in its feet to create sharp claws whenever it feels threatened. All rights reserved. The hairy frogfish’s “rod” is actually a modified first dorsal spine which is moveable and called the illicium. Frogfish can open their mouths extremely wide to swallow prey whole. Hairy frogfish are extremely good at hiding in plain sight and are able to change their color to match their surroundings (mimesis). Taxiderm specimen of Hairy frog in the Natural History Museum, London. Common Name: Hairy Frog, Horror Frog, and Wolverine Frog Scientific Name: Trichobatrachus robustus Family: Arthroleptidae Location: Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria Size: 4.3 inches (110 mm) The Hairy Frog lives in the western sub-Saharan coast of Africa. The large head is broader than long, with a short rounded snout. As soon as the prey is within one body length of the frogfish it will strike with lightening speed. If you're a predator… 4. The Trichobatrachus robustus (aka the “hairy frog” due to the hairlike fibers found on the male’s skin) has the gross ability to break its own bones to fight off prey. The Hairy Frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) is a Central African species of frog in the Arthroleptidae family. Because they’re amphibians, frogs do not have hair. The frogfishes (or anglerfishes) are fascinating animals. This hairy frog breaks its own bones to extend cat-like claws, just like Wolverine In Cameroon, some frogs are nothing like the benign variety we're used to. These teeth are ineffective when it comes to breaking down food. They are found in the palearctic and The Afrotropics. Hairy frog. This camouflage is a type of aggressive mimicry—a strategy of resembling something else to gain an advantage over your prey. Ground frogs can use their strong legs to move quickly away from danger, while tree frogs are capable of jumping from trees and gliding to safety. Juveniles can be just a few millimeters long and already have an active lure! Breeding males also develop – somewhat hair-like – dermal papillae that extend along the flanks and thighs. 6. Frogfish-Species: Allenichthys, Antennarius, Antennatus, Echinophryne, Histiophryne, Histrio, Kuiterichthys, Lophiocharon, Nudiantennarius, Phyllophryne, Rhycherus, Tathicarpus. This incredible critter is full of surprises! Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. Family name: Antennariidae Order name: Lophiiformes Common name: Frogfish or Anglerfish Scientific name:Antennariidae The male immediately fertilizes the eggs which remain buoyant for several days. Marine species which are known to prey on frogfish include lizardfish and scorprionfish. They sit well camouflaged and without moving on sponges, wait in front of holes or hide between corals and wait for their prey to … Also, it is apparently hairy. While injury and pain would seem to be inherent in the action, the balance of risk and harm seems to be in favor of the frog, and against the predators. The hairy frogfish has an extremely flexible stomach – so much so that it can swallow prey which is up to twice its own size. Image credit: Gustavocarra via wikimedia Since claws are not an option, the hairy frog decided that there had to be a better way to stay alive. We hope you enjoyed these frogfish facts and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Lembeh Resort and showing you our incredible critters here in North Sulawesi. When the frogfish spots its prey, it will follow the prey by eye movement... 3. It is monotypic within the genus Trichobatrachus. These contain arteriesand are thought to increase the surface area f… They are the only frog in the world to be covered in tiny hairs. Once the prey is close enough, frogfish swallows it in a blink of an eye (attack lasts 6 milliseconds). When two hairy frogfish are seen together it is often a female which is ready to mate and a male which is guarding her. Hairy frogfish can open their mouths extremely wide which allows them to suck in their prey whole – no chewing required by this critter! The Hairy frog is a very unique animal. This five-inch frog got its name because of hairlike projections that are present on … And the hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus) has long, waving appendages that can resemble algae or even a spiny urchin. This hairy frogfish has barely visible “hairs” which gives it a bald like appearance. 13) Striated, or hairy, frogfishes usually mimic algae or soft corals, but can occasionally mimic venomous black urchins. When under attack, these frogs will quickly contract their muscles, snap the bones in their hind feet, and push the bones out of their skin to create protruding claws. Frogfish jump by sucking in water through the mouth and expelling it in jets through the small gill openings behind their “legs” – they really are jet propelled! Check out these 10 intriguing hairy frogfish facts. Hairy Frogfish Aren’t Hairy! When the prey draws close enough the frogfish will start moving its lure to bring the prey even closer. As is so often the case, I'm amazed by how little available (viz, CC) imagery of … Snakes, predatory fish and raccoons, among other predators, predate upon aquatic frogs. Hairy frogfishes have tiny 5mm palatal teeth. This hairy frogfish image was captured by our onsite Marine Biologist Dimpy Jacobs. The hairy frog isn't the only amphibian that … Frogs have to watch out for all kinds of enemies in the wild. Basically, they will break their bones when attacked or threatened. Animal predators include birds, fish and reptiles. Frogfish can swallow the prey that is 2 times bigger than the fish itself thanks to ability to expand the mouth 12 times of its normal size. 2. “Amphibian horror” isn’t a movie genre, but on this evidence perhaps it should be. Habitat: North Atlantic, North Pacific. The hairy frogfish is also known as the striated frogfish which comes from its scientific name: Antennarius striatus. Many frogs secrete a poison when they are attacked that makes the predator spit them out before any damage is done. Sometimes they live on farms like tea plantation but they prefer mountain forests. The Hairy Frog is usually found in tropical rainforests but can sometimes be found in the savanna. When the intended prey is only a short distance away the frogfish will take time to carefully orient itself so it is facing its victim and it will adjust its mouth angle in preparation for striking. Frogfishes rarely swim and when they do they use their tail while folding their other fins flat to the body. They are actually skinny projections full of blood vessels, to help absorb oxygen from the water. The distance of one body length is known as the striking zone. 5. 2. Hyperolius viridiflavus (Common Reed Frog) is a species of amphibians in the family African tree frogs. Although the lure and esca can not be seen during night, the potential prey can feel the vibrations which are transmitted through the water and attack what seems to be an incautious animal. If you’d like to find out more about our critters before you arrive, check out our Critter Log. 10. THE NEWT THAT TURNS ITS RIBS INTO SPIKES. The Wolverine of the amphibian world: Claws burst through frog's skin when threatened by predators Trichobatrachus Robustus is a … Frogs that live in aquatic habitats generally consume insects and other aquatic invertebrates, such as crawfish. Additionally, large aquatic frogs often eat fish and other frog species. Two hairy frogfish together are often a male and a female preparing for mating / spawning. Hairy frogfish have very few natural predators. Hairy Frog. Even under water frogs cant be safe from hungry sharp toothed fish, swimming mammals like water shrews, and even diving birds! Hairy frogfish are formidable predators. 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