Common Name: Sculptured Frogfish

Distribution: Uncommon in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Endemic to eastern Australia, primarily a Queensland species extending into New South Wales. Found from northern Queensland south to northern New South Wales.

Ecological Notes: Frequents inshore waters and estuaries, more commonly at offshore islands in clear water among rocks and sand. Depth to 20 m.

Additional Notes: Pale brownish with darker blotches. Large individuals have bright orange blotch at base of spinous dorsal fin (more visible in bottom photo), which distinguishes this species from similar Batrachomoeus dubius. Often found under dead coral slabs. Eats small fish and invertebrates which are swallowed whole. Grows to 30 cm.

References: R. Stuart-Smith, G. Edgar, A. Green, I. Shaw, Tropical Marine Fishes of Australia. Reed New Holland Publishers, 2015. p.50.

Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 45.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=halophryne+queenslandiae. Accessed 31/05/18.