Batrachomoeus dubius

The eastern frogfish (aka, Batrachomoeus dubius) is quite common on Sydney’s shores and in the Harbour. It’s not the prettiest of marine creatures with its grey camouflaged appearance and rough skin designed to look like the rugged rock walls, crevices and sandy bottom it calls home. With its large mouth and tasselled beard, it sports a face only a mother frogfish could love!

That large mouth comes in handy at dinner time as the frogfish lies in wait for passing prey – small crabs, worms and fish who are unfortunate enough to come within striking distance.

Awesome Sydney dives

The best way to see the Frogfish is face to face. Join us under the waves on our next dive!

Dive with sharks in Sydney

Sydney shark dives are awesome. Join us as we dive Sydney’s top shark diving spots.

Quick facts on the frogfish

• The frogfish’s three short dorsal fins are reportedly venomous – so avoid handling.
• You’ll find the eastern frogfish in shallow coastal waters around Sydney hiding out in nooks and crannies, kelp beds and on the silty sea floor.
• Frogfish can “croak” when captured brought onto the surface. (Again, we’d recommend not going down that route as their dorsal fins can be poisonous.