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Oscellated Frogfish

The Oscellated Frogfish (Antennarius ocellatus) gets its name from its grotesque, almost frog-like appearance. This helps to provide camouflage as it waits to catch its prey. It has a specially modified dorsal spine with a fleshy growth at the end. It lies motionless and uses this spine like a fishing lure. When a curious fish gets too close, it is swallowed up instantly by large, powerful jaws. This species is found in the western Atlantic including the eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.