Histiophryne cryptacanthus (Weber, 1913)
Cryptic anglerfish
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Histiophrynidae (Starfingered frogfishes)
Max. size:  9.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 130 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal soft rays: 6-9. Description: Characterized by having variable colors: mottled white, grey, yellow, pink and brown; sometimes covered with spots that resemble pores of sponges; tiny illicium (less than 4% of SL); partially hidden illicium and esca in groove on mid-dorsal line of snout; skin bounds second and third dorsal spines to surface of head; low protuberances on top of head and neck; no caudal peduncle, posterior margin of dorsal and anal fins connected to base of outermost caudal fin rays (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found inshore on reefs (Ref. 7300) but has been recorded to a depth of 130 m (Ref. 9563). Adults found with sponges or ascidians (Ref. 48635). Oviparous. Eggs are attached to each other by a single, flattened, acellular filament and are brooded in a hollow behind the left pectoral fin (Ref. 6773). Mimics sponges with its spots that resembles pores of sponges (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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