In need of a comb

LEMBEH, INDONESIA

This unusual-looking fish is called a striated frogfish (Antennarius striatus), due to its stripy exterior, but it’s also known as the hairy frogfish. In fact, the ‘hairs’ that cover the fish are actually small spinules – semi-flexible, thorn-like spikes. The fish only grows to a little over 20cm in length, but is capable of consuming prey that’s as big as itself.

To catch that prey, the hairy frogfish uses a modified dorsal fin on its forehead, called an illicium. At its tip is a lure, which mimics a worm and acts as bait to draw the prey towards the frogfish’s mouth.

The hairy frogfish lives on coral reefs in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and is able to change its colour to blend into its surroundings. But with ocean temperatures rising and pH levels dropping, the hairy frogfish’s habitat is at risk of coral bleaching. As the coral loses its colour, the frogfish must also become paler so that it remains camouflaged.