Wartskin Angler EXPERT (Antennarius Maculatus)

Also Known As: Wartskin Frogfish, Clown Angler

Compatibility and Behavior
The Wartskin Angler (Antennarius maculatus) is one of those fish that doesn't really look like a fish at first glance, which is exactly the point. Its body is thick and lumpy, covered in wart-like protuberances and typically patterned in mottled creams, oranges, yellows, reds, and browns with contrasting outlines and spots that read as sponge or encrusting coral to anything swimming past. The dorsal fin has evolved into a built-in fishing rod (the illicium) tipped with a fleshy lure (the esca) that the fish twitches in front of its oversized, upward-angled mouth to draw prey into striking range. Instead of swimming in the conventional sense, Wartskins tend to move in short, deliberate hops or walks along the rockwork using their pectoral and pelvic fins, which only adds to their almost alien presence.
As ambush predators, they can swallow surprisingly large fish and shrimp in a single gulp, so tankmate selection is everything. They're best kept in species-only setups or carefully curated predator tanks. Small ornamental shrimp, nano fish, and other bite-sized inhabitants are not safe with them. The good news is that they generally ignore corals, clams, and other sessile inverts, so mixed reef systems are workable as long as the mobile livestock is sized appropriately. Because they're sedentary by nature, they can also be outcompeted at feeding time by more active tankmates.

Aquarium Requirements
A well-established aquarium of at least 20 to 30 gallons works for a single specimen, with larger systems needed for multiple anglers or additional tankmates. Aquascape with plenty of live rock, ledges, and overhangs for perching, mixed with open patches of sand or rubble where the fish can set up an ambush. Flow should stay gentle to moderate. These are not strong swimmers, and blasting flow tends to stress them. Strong powerhead intakes should be guarded to prevent injury. Target feeding with tongs or a feeding stick is the way to go. Offer meaty marine foods like silversides, shrimp, and small fish, and work on weaning the fish onto frozen or prepared items over time so it isn't relying on live food forever.

Specifications
Approximate Size: May vary between 1.5-3.5". Please email us for current week's size availability
Diet: Carnivore (silversides, shrimp, small fish; can be weaned onto frozen or prepared foods with feeding tongs). May require live food to start.
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, and surrounding reef regions)
Care Level: Expert (best for aquarists with some predator-keeping experience)
Reef Safe: With caution (safe with corals, but will eat small fish and crustaceans)
Temperament: Peaceful toward non-prey tankmates; highly predatory toward appropriately sized fish and inverts
Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 gallons for a single specimen
Special Considerations: Best housed in species-only or predator-focused systems; target feeding with tongs recommended; guard powerhead intakes, may require live food.