Tathicarpus
| Butler's frogfish | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Lophiiformes |
| Family: | Antennariidae |
| Genus: |
Tathicarpus J. D. Ogilby, 1907 |
| Species: | T. butleri |
| Binomial name | |
|
Tathicarpus butleri J. D. Ogilby, 1907 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Tathicarpus appeli J. D. Ogilby, 1922 |
|
Tathicarpus appeli J. D. Ogilby, 1922
Tathicarpus muscosus J. D. Ogilby, 1907
The Butler's frogfish or blackspot anglerfish, Tathicarpus butleri, is a rare species of frogfish in the family Antennariidae. The only member of its genus, this species is the most derived member of its family and represents a separate lineage from all other frogfishes, leading to some consideration of it being placed in its own family. It is found off the southern coast of New Guinea, and along the coasts of Western Australia to 33° S latitude, the Northern Territory, and Queensland to 22° S latitude. A benthic species, it inhabits inshore tropical waters and coral reefs to a maximum depth of 145 m (476 ft), though most are found shallower than 45 m (148 ft). Its specific epithet is after its discoverer Dr. Graham Butler.
This species reaches a maximum length of 10 cm (3.9 in). It has a stout, laterally compressed body with a large head longer than deep. Like other anglerfishes, the first dorsal fin ray is modified into a lure for attracting prey. The illicium ("fishing rod") of the Butler's frogfish is very long, measuring 24-47% the standard length, and lacks dermal spines. At the tip is a distinct esca ("fishing lure") that may measure 22% the standard length, consisting of a thin, broad appendage covered with hair-like filaments and bearing 1-2 dark spots at the base. The mouth is protrusible, with many slender, sharp teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palantines. The dorsal and anal fins are tall, containing 10-11 and 7 fin rays respectively; the caudal fin is long and contains 9 rays.
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