Care
The Warty Frogfish is known from the sheltered rocky reefs of Mauritius in the west, the Maldives, over to Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and eastwards to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Juvenile fish are typically found openly on the reef, looking very much like nudibranchs, whereas adults are closely associated with sponges and soft corals. These strange-looking fish are found in relatively shallow waters with a maximum depth of 15m (49ft). Capable of dramatic colour change, the benthic Warty Frogfish uses this extraordinary camouflage technique to blend effortlessly into its surroundings, and depending where it is resting, may appear white, cream, yellow, orange, brown, or black, with blotches/saddles of contrasting colour (usually rusty-red or pink). This is a solitary species which is most often found sitting virtually immobile in prominent perches amongst sponges or soft corals, sporadically waving its esca (lure) and instantly ambushing any passing small fishes that are attracted by this bait. The esca is the shape of a very small fish or shrimp, and is attached to the front of the face via a long, thin illicium (a thread-like, modified first dorsal spine). The Warty Frogfish makes a wonderful aquarium inhabitant, although unfortunately it cannot be considered completely reef-safe, due to its propensity to eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and small fishes - even those that are of similar body length to that of the frogfish. However, it can be kept alongside most corals and sponges fairly safely. If tankmates are desired, ensure that they are not small enough to be eaten, and also make sure they are not kept alongside any boisterous fish or those that may not be able to resist picking at the sponge-like, 'warty'-skinned body (e.g. large angelfish etc). There should be plenty of perches created with the live rockwork, and ideally areas with sponges, soft corals, and algaes that the fish can rest amongst. Be aware that although this species does not grow to a huge size, it is predatory from an early age and will take fishes the same size as itself or smaller. It is best fed on live grass shrimp and slowly weaned onto frozen fare. The marking that diverts to the posterior edge of the eye distinguishes this species from the similar
A. pictus. May also be seen on sale as the Wartskin Frogfish or Warty Anglerfish.
Feeding
These fish may require live grass shrimp to initiate the feeding response, but can gradually be weaned onto frozen meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, chopped cockle/mussel/fish/shrimp. Target feed by putting the food in a net and moving it towards the fish, or by using tongs.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, it has been observed that these fish lay eggs that are bound in a ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called an 'egg raft' or 'veil'.
