Researchers Discover Specimens of Rare Frogfish in Australia's Botany Bay

In 1980, a student collected a rare frog fish in Australia’s Botany Bay, but the sole specimen disappeared. Now University of Washington researchers have bagged three samples, confirming a new species and a new genus — an uncommon discovery.

Porophryne erythrodactylus — aka the red-fingered angler fish — can quickly dart over rocks, where its cousins tend to amble.

“Divers played an extremely important role, not only in discovering it again but also sending photographs to the Australian Museum,” says aquatic and fishery sciences  Ph.D. candidate Rachel Arnold, who helped bring the frogfish back into the spotlight.

“They are cryptic in nature and can camouflage themselves well in nearly any environment,” she adds. “Some can even change color, and they might also be able to change the texture of their skin to match their surroundings.”

“Recreational divers can still catch a glimpse if they know where to look. Most Porophryne erythrodactylus have been found around Bare Island in Botany Bay. Ask around — usually when one has been spotted, it stays around for a while.”