Histrio histrio

Family : Antennariidae

Common Name : Sargassumfish

Scientific Name : Histrio histrio

Maximum length : 19cm

IUCN Red List Status : Not Evaluated

Pale yellow to orange with irregular dark brown head bands on head, body and fins that effectively blend with its Sargassum surroundings.

Found near the surface, usually associated with floating objects or Sargassum. Found near shore and occasionally among floating seaweeds. Commonly blown into shore and bay waters during storms. Epipelagic. A solitary  and voracious predator. They feed on fishes and shrimps that seek refuge in the floating weeds. Oviparous. Eggs are bound in ribbon-like sheath or mass of gelatinous mucus called 'egg raft' or 'veil'. Solitary or loose groups among floating seaweed. Oviparous. During courtship, the male follows the female closely then both rush to the surface to spawn. At this point, eggs are produced in a gelatinous floating mass or 'raft' and inseminated by the male. The eggs remain embedded in this raft until hatching

Recorded from Maumere Bay and Sangalakki Island; with an Indonesian distribution from Papua to Sumatra.

Photo 1 : Photo courtesy Collin Lee
Photo 2 : Photo courtesy Kenny Wray

Reference : - http://www.fishbase.org/summary/3089