Chancing upon the Hairy Frogfish (Antennarius striatus) on one of my dives in Lembeh, I was privileged to have witnessed and documented it ‘casting its lure’ akin to an angler casting his fishing rod! The lure located at the top of a frogfish, known as an esca, is a highly specialised and unique adaptation that helps the frogfish attract prey. The fleshy appendage that resembles a small fish or worm is typically brightly coloured or patterned. It is connected to the frogfish’s illicium, a modified dorsal spine that extends above the fish’s head.
The primary function of this esca is to act as a bait to attract unsuspecting prey. Frogfish are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and patience to catch their food while I just happened to be there at the time it was fishing when my lights attracted all kinds of plankton. By waving the esca back and forth or moving it in a manner that resembles the movement of a small fish or worm, the frogfish creates the illusion of an easy meal for other fish or invertebrates.
The esca’s appearance and movement, combined with the frogfish’s ability to change its skin colour and texture to blend in with its surroundings, make it extremely effective at luring prey within striking range. Once a potential prey item gets close enough, the frogfish can rapidly open its large mouth, creating a vacuum that sucks in the unsuspecting victim.
It’s worth noting that the esca is not present in all species of frogfish, and its size, shape, and colouration can vary among different species. Some frogfish even have the ability to regenerate their esca if it becomes damaged or lost. What a remarkable adaptation that showcases the incredible diversity of strategies employed by organisms in the animal kingdom to capture their food!
If you live near the sea or have easy access, you can document marine life too! Just use your smartphone and house it in a universal Divevolk housing! Works for both Android and iPhone!
Get a discount when you purchase it directly from the manufacturer here:- https://bit.ly/Seatouch4Max
More info on the world’s first true touchscreen underwater housing:- https://bit.ly/mydivevolk
Couple it with a powerful LED dive light with red light to spot critters:- https://amzn.to/3TP5Nc6
Subscribe to my Youtube channel to learn more about marine life behaviour!
