Frogfish

Anglerfishes are another name for frogfish. Almost all tropical and subtropical oceans and seas are home to them, with the Mediterranean Sea being the main exception. They can grab prey because of their well-camouflaged skin, which also allows them to avoid being seen by other fish. Even some frogfish species can alter their color! The smaller fish have little hope of escaping once the frogfish have come near enough to their target.

Crustaceans, other fish, and even other frogfish are eaten by them. The frogfish follows possible prey with its eyes once it is first seen. Then, the frogfish starts moving its illicium such that the esca replicates the movements of the animal it resembles when it is around seven body lengths away. The frogfish swims slowly as the prey approaches in order to get ready to attack; sometimes this includes approaching the prey or "stalking," and other times it only entails altering its mouth angle. The actual capture is achieved by the abrupt opening of the jaws, which increases the size of the mouth cavity by a factor of up to 12, drawing the prey and water into the mouth.

The frogfish's method of assault against lionfish is particularly useful. The lionfish is taken by surprise and unable to protect itself with its poisonous spines since it is unable to notice the frogfish's camouflage.