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Frogfishes of Lembeh
This is a continuously updated documentation of all the frogfish species that live in the waters of Lembeh, made possible by our guest photographers and videographers. So far 7 species have been documented here, across 2 different genera, with 61 photographs and 48 filmed moments. The newest addition is from July 2026.
Antennarius striatus by Jukka Halme – Lembeh Strait, 2007.
Frogfishes are bottom-dwelling ambush predators that walk along the seabed. They seem slow and clumsy, but they strike at extreme speed and swallow their prey whole in less than a second, often appearing to choke afterwards, because the meal can be nearly their own size. In Lembeh they sit high up the food chain, and larger frogfishes have been seen preying on lionfish and scorpionfish alike. Most are very well camouflaged and hard to spot, blending in with corals or algae. They are a highlight for every diver, but also take the most patience, especially if you want to photograph or film them yawning or hunting.
How to navigate this page
- The species index below lists every species in alphabetical order by scientific name. Tap one to jump straight to its section.
- Each species has its own photographs and films, newest first. Slide them left and right, or use the arrows.
- Films are timestamped to the moment the species appears. Tap a timestamp and the film plays from there, on this page.
- Under every photograph is the month it was taken and the name of the photographer. Tap the name to see the rest of their contribution in the main gallery.
- Everything here was contributed by guests diving with us, and the page is updated whenever new material arrives.
Identifications & Corrections / Contact us
All the identification was done to the best of our personal knowledge. If you notice there’s an incorrect identification, then please let us know and we’ll update the documentation accordingly.
To help us find the right photograph quickly, please mention the species, the photographer’s name and the month shown beneath it.
Giant Frogfish Antennarius commerson
The largest species of Frogfish in Lembeh. Often found between sponge corals, where they blend in and wait for prey. This particular species is often sighted preying on large lionfishes and devil scorpionfishes. Grows up to 38 cm in length.
Photographs
Films
Appears at (1)
Appears at (1)
Appears at (3)
- olive variant
- brown variant
Shaggy Frogfish Antennarius hispidus
A rarer, but present Frogfish. Found in sandy mucky bottoms. Sometimes mistaken for the Hairy Frogfish, but the key differences are the lures (the esca), with the Shaggy Frogfish having a pom-pom like lure, and the Hairy Frogfish having a more worm-like lure. Grows up to 20cm in length.
Films
Appears at (5)
- using its esca, the worm-like lure on the tip of the illicium, to draw prey within reach
- walking — the pectoral and pelvic fins are adapted into limb-like props that let it clamber over the seabed rather than swim
- catching prey
- yawning
Appears at (1)
Warty Frogfish Antennarius maculatus
Juveniles of the Warty Frogfish are referred to as the Clown Frogfish, due to their vibrant white and red clown-like features. Color variations of the warty frogfish vary from white, yellow, pink, red, and brown. Usually found in dive-sites with sheltered rocky areas and coral reefs. Grows up to 15cm in length.
Photographs
Films
Appears at (1)
Appears at (1)
Appears at (1)
Appears at (2)
- yellow variant
- white variant
Appears at (1)
Painted Frogfish Antennarius pictus
Referred also as the Spotted Frogfish. The most plentiful Frogfish in Lembeh. Color variations of this frogfish varies greatly, from orange, pink, red, white, black, tan, and olive. Usually found in dive-sites with sheltered rocky areas and coral reefs. Grows up to 30cm in length.
Photographs
Films
Appears at (2)
- pink variant
- orange variant
Appears at (2)
- juvenile orange variation
- juvenile dark variation
Appears at (5)
- pink variant
- hunting, yellow variant
- tan variant
- red variant — filmed by Fredrik Ehrenstrom
- interacting, orange and red variants
Appears at (1)
- pink variant
Appears at (2)
- pink variant
- orange variant
Appears at (4)
- orange variant
- orange variant walking over the seabed
- olive variant
- orange variant
Appears at (1)
- pink variant
Undescribed / Unidentified Frogfishes Antennarius sp.
The Frogfishes that we weren’t able to identify yet or is possibly undescribed.
Photographs
Films
Appears at (1)
- Pink warty frogfish, undescribed — no comparable documentation found
Appears at (1)
- Red warty frogfish, likely undescribed — it resembles both the Warty and the Hairy Frogfish while matching neither
Hairy Frogfish Antennarius striatus
The most sought after Frogfish in Lembeh. They hunt using their first dorsal-spines like fishing rods, and attract prey by using their worm-like lures as bait. Found in the mucky sandy volcanic bottoms of Lembeh Strait. Grows up to 22cm in length.
Photographs
Films
Appears at (1)
Appears at (2)
Appears at (2)
- using its esca to draw prey within reach, and walking on its pectoral and pelvic fins. The sequence runs to 1:33
Appears at (2)
- Striated Frogfish, the same species as the Hairy Frogfish but not yet grown into its hairy phase
- the same species in a strongly hairy phase
Appears at (1)
Appears at (1)
Appears at (1)
- hunting, walking over the seabed and working its esca
Lembeh Frogfish Nudiantennarius subteres
Often referred to as the Deepwater Frogfish, but locally referred to as the Lembeh Frogfish until it was identified recently. We have very little documentation of this particular frogfish as it’s quite rare.
Films
Appears at (2)
- next to a Painted Frogfish, pink variant (Antennarius pictus)
