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Type
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Marine Fish
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Title
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Indian Frog Fish
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Local Name
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തവള മത്സ്യം
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Common Name
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Indian Frog Fish
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Scientific Name
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Antennarius indicus
Taxonomy
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Kingdom
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Animalia
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Phylum
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Chordata
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Class
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Teleostei
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Order
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Lophiiformes
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Family
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Antennariidae
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Genus
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Antennarius
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Species
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Antennarius indicus
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Short Description
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Antennarius indicus has the genus name Antennarius which suffixes -ius to antenna, an allusion to first dorsal spine being adapted into a tentacle on the snout used as a lure to attract prey. The specific name indicus refers to the type locality in India.
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Habitat
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Marine; reef-associated. Tropical.
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Morphology Details
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Globular body.
The body is usually tawny to brown and marked with dark brown to black bars, which form stripes when the fins are folded. It has 2 or 3 pale-margined ocelli (eye-like spots) on different parts of its body.
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Distinctive Features
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Its shape and color mimic rocks or coral, providing excellent camouflage against predators and prey in its habitat.
Extraordinary ability to blend seamlessly into its surroundings using variable coloration and camouflage, making it a true master of disguise within coral reef and rocky habitats.
The first dorsal spine is modified into a fleshy rod (illicium) that acts as a lure, with a leaf-like appendage (esca) at the tip used to attract prey, a classic feature of anglerfishes.
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Feeds Upon
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Small fish and other benthic organisms found in its reef-associated habitat.
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Reproduction Details
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Oviparous
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