{"product_id":"clown-wartskin-anglerfish-antennarius-maculatus","title":"Clown Wartskin Anglerfish - Antennarius maculatus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClown Wartskin Anglerfish (Antennarius maculatus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Wartskin Anglerfish, Antennarius maculatus, is an extraordinary Indo-West Pacific ambush predator recognised by its rounded body, wart-like skin texture and highly variable clown-like patterning. Also known as the Warty Frogfish, Clown Anglerfish or Wartskin Frogfish, it uses a modified dorsal spine tipped with a lure to attract small fish and crustaceans within striking distance. Rather than swimming continuously, this unusual fish often “walks” across rockwork using its modified pectoral fins and relies on exceptional camouflage to remain concealed. Its fascinating appearance and feeding behaviour make it highly desirable, but it requires carefully selected tank mates, controlled feeding and experienced marine care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClown Wartskin Anglerfish, Wartskin Anglerfish, Warty Frogfish, Clown Anglerfish, Clown Frogfish, Warty Anglerfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntennarius maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsually around 10–15 cm when fully grown, with a reported scientific maximum of approximately 15 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndo-West Pacific, ranging from the Maldives and Mauritius eastwards through Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClown Wartskin Anglerfish inhabit tropical coral and rocky reefs, commonly resting among sponges, encrusting organisms, coral growth and complex rockwork. Their colour, skin texture and irregular body outline allow them to imitate surrounding reef material while waiting for prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable salinity, good oxygenation, efficient biological filtration and consistently high water quality are important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePredatory, generally solitary and territorial towards similar anglerfish. The Clown Wartskin Anglerfish is not normally aggressive in the conventional sense, but it will attempt to swallow almost any fish or crustacean that fits inside its highly expandable mouth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotential prey can include animals approaching the anglerfish’s own body length. More than one frogfish should not normally be housed together because larger individuals may consume smaller companions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObligate carnivore and specialised ambush predator. In the wild, this species feeds mainly on small reef fish, shrimps and other crustaceans attracted by its moving lure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens may initially require live marine shrimp or small live fish to trigger a feeding response. Suitable live foods may include marine glass shrimp or appropriately sourced saltwater feeder shrimp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGradually transition the fish onto whole or chopped marine prawns, shrimp, krill, lancefish, silversides, squid and other vitamin-enriched marine foods presented with long feeding tongs. Move the food gently near the lure to imitate living prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid routine use of freshwater feeder fish, mammalian meat or excessively fatty foods. These do not provide an appropriate long-term marine diet and may introduce disease or nutritional imbalance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 150 litres is recommended for one adult, with a broad footprint, mature rockwork and several sheltered perching areas. A larger aquarium is advisable when housing it with other suitably sized marine fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sedentary ambush predator that may remain almost motionless for extended periods while blending into rockwork, sponge growth or coral surroundings. It uses modified pectoral and pelvic fins to grip surfaces and move across the aquarium in a walking motion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first dorsal spine forms a flexible fishing lure, known as an illicium, with a fleshy tip resembling a small fish or invertebrate. The anglerfish waves this lure near its mouth and strikes with extremely rapid suction when prey approaches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColouration is exceptionally variable. Individuals may be white, cream, yellow, orange, red, brown or black, with spots, patches and irregular markings. Colour can gradually change in response to age, diet and surroundings, although an exact colour transformation cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClown Wartskin Anglerfish do not normally consume healthy coral tissue or deliberately damage established corals. However, ornamental shrimps, small crabs and any fish that can be swallowed are at serious risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fish may perch on coral colonies, sponges or other sessile organisms and can cause temporary irritation or localised damage through repeated contact. Its compatibility is therefore determined mainly by predation risk rather than direct coral feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose tank mates with extreme care. Body depth is as important as length because frogfish can swallow surprisingly large prey. Avoid gobies, cardinalfish, dartfish, clownfish, small wrasses, ornamental shrimps and other animals that may fit inside its mouth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not house the Clown Wartskin Anglerfish with aggressive fish that may bite its lure, fins or textured skin. Triggerfish, puffers, large wrasses and persistent fin-nippers are unsuitable companions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide mature rockwork, caves, overhangs and stable perching surfaces. Moderate, well-distributed water movement is suitable, but avoid directing powerful flow across its preferred resting area. Protect pump and overflow intakes because the fish may climb onto equipment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfirm that the specimen is feeding before purchase whenever possible. Newly imported frogfish can be reluctant to accept non-living food, and conversion should be gradual. Use feeding tongs rather than fingers, as the feeding strike is extremely fast.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed controlled meals rather than large portions every day. Adults generally require an appropriately sized meal two or three times per week. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, regurgitation, digestive problems and rapid deterioration in water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNever offer prey that is excessively large. Frogfish may swallow animals they cannot digest safely, potentially resulting in internal injury, regurgitation or death.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA secure aquarium cover is recommended. Quarantine should include suitable shelter and a reliable feeding plan, as bare or brightly illuminated systems may cause stress and make feeding establishment more difficult.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare or occasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47151435907245,"sku":"AG-104343","price":119.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47151435874477,"sku":"AG-102293","price":149.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47151435940013,"sku":"AG-104344","price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/ClownWartskinAnglerfish-Antennariusmaculatus.jpg?v=1785753679","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/clown-wartskin-anglerfish-antennarius-maculatus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}