Example 7b
All images copyright protected, © Doug Segar and Elaine Stamman Segar.
This red mass is actually a giant frogfish, Antennarius commersonii, which can be seen much more clearly in this photograph. This second image was taken from a different angle on a later dive when the frogfish had changed its position, and extended its pectoral fins (upon which it "sits") farther apart. The frogfish is a fearsome predator that can move with lightning acceleration (like the ultimate drag racer) across a short distance to gulp down its prey. It has a huge extendable mouth and stomach and can consume prey that is almost as large as its own body. Not content just to sit and wait for prey to chance by, the frogfish also has a lure (too small to see in its retracted position in these photographs) that it can extend a few centimeters into the water between its eyes and wiggle about. Unsuspecting fishes see this lure as a tasty morsel next to a harmless sponge and fall into the frogfish trap.
The frogfish camouflage is designed primarily to aid its hunting strategy. However, it undoubtedly also helps the frogfish to evade detection by its own predators. This allows the frogfish to pursue a sedentary lifestyle that demands little energy for movement.
It is worthwhile to go back to our original photograph of this frogfish.
Click the photo to see a labeled version of that photo.