Tathicarpus butleri Ogilby, 1907
Butler's frogfish
Tathicarpus butleri
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Tathicarpidae (Longfin frogfishes)
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 146 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia (Ref. 47567), Papua New Guinea (Ref. 6993), and Australia (including Western Australia).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Description: Characterized by having color ranging from nearly white or yellow to dark brown; unbranched pelvic rays; extremely long illicium, more than 20% SL; numerous fine, hair-like filaments along distal margin of esca a thin, broad membranous appendage; base of esca with 1-2 dark eye-like spots; close set dermal spinules covering skin; surface of head, body and fins with scattered large, fringed tentacles; pectoral fin lobe detached from side of body for most of its length; unbranched rays of caudal fin except tip of uppermost ray (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A benthic species (Ref. 75154) which occurs inshore (Ref. 7300, 75154). Solitary and usually found among weeds and rubble (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  With an Indonesian distribution in the Moluccas (Ref. 47567).


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