Painted Frogfish

Photo: jvicd91 · CC BY-NC

Multiple colour morphs of painted frogfish colonise the encrusted rubble field, sitting motionless and luring prey with a modified dorsal spine tipped with a fleshy esca. Their ability to change colour over several weeks to match local sponge and algae growth makes individual recognition challenging and repeat visits rewarding as new morphs and individuals are discovered. The shallow depth and calm conditions allow photographers extended time to compose macro images without narcosis or decompression pressure.