UFRO ID
Following our recent post about the unusual frogfish photographed in Ambon Bay by Maluku Divers, we’ve received interesting feedback from a number of people.
Among the suggestions early on was the possibility that the UFRO (Unidentified FROgfish) could be a Antennatus linearis, which was first described in 2001 by Randall and Holcom. This potential ID was partially based on the lack of a visible esca (the frogfish’s bait).
After more people around the world weighed in, we began to consider another possibility…that the UFRO might be an undescribed member of the Histiophryne genus, of which there are currently two officially recognised species (H. bougainvilli and H. cryptacanthus). This suggestion initially came from Yokota-san of Go To The Sea diving service in Japan:
“The fish in the photos from Maluku Divers seem to have continuous dorsal to anal fin, with nearly no space in between, suggesting that it is a species of Histiophryne. The two clearly identified species of this genus are cryptacanthus and bougainvilli, neither of which these photos represent, so best guess is that it is an undescribed species of Histiophryne.”
Subsequently, we received emails from Ted Pietsch of the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and well-known ichthyologist Jack Randall which suggest that the frogfish might even represent a new genus. From Ted Pietsch:
“I can say that in my 40 or so years studying frogfishes and anglerfishes in general, I have never seen one like this. Very striking is the highly unusual, flat face that allows the eyes to be directed forward, perhaps providing for binocular vision. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins appear to be highly fleshy, covered by loose skin. Also, looking closely at the forehead, in the pictures sent earlier, I can’t see any trace of a luring apparatus. If I had to say what it’s closest living relative might be, I’d suggest the genus Histiophryne, but this taxon differs in a host of other ways. In summary, it’s quite unlike any antennarioid I’ve ever seen and most likely represents a genus new to science.”
From Jack Randall:
“I agree with Ted that your frogfish is probably a new genus as well as new species.”
So there you have it, a quick and dirty summary of the recent flurry of cyberspace communication to try to identify this unusual fish. Of course, no one will really know for sure what type of critter this is until such time that a DNA test can be done.
In the meantime, head over to Ambon to catch a glimpse of the UFRO yourself!