Red Angler, Super - Antennarius pictus

Small

$149.99

Red Angler, Super - Antennarius pictus

Anglerfish Non Reef Safe

$149.99

SKU: ANGLERxRedS

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Diet

silversides krill squid large meaty foods

Min Tank Size 50 gallons

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Carnivore

Diet and Feeding: The Super Red Angler is a strict carnivore and ambush predator that feeds in nature on small fishes, shrimps, crabs, and other meaty marine prey. In captivity, it is beneficial to make frozen-thawed marine foods the staple, especially silversides, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped shrimp, squid, and other vitamin-enriched seafood pieces suited to its mouth size. To ensure balanced nutrition, occasional treats of enriched marine flesh, feeder shrimp from reliable sources, or small pieces of fish can be offered, but fatty or freshwater feeders should be avoided. Feeding with feeding tongs is ideal, as it allows you to present food directly and encourages natural strike behavior; target feeding is often best for reducing waste. Offer small meals 2–3 times per week, or as needed based on body condition, and avoid overfeeding, as this species is prone to obesity and deteriorating water quality when excess food is left uneaten.

silversides krill squid large meaty foods

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

The Red Angler, Super is a sedentary, bottom-dwelling ambush predator that spends most of its time perched motionless among rockwork or on the substrate, so it requires ample hiding spots and a calm layout with plenty of visual barriers. It is generally solitary and can be territorial, especially toward conspecifics, and multiple specimens are usually best avoided unless in a very large system with heavy structure. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is often cited for a single specimen, though a larger aquarium with open bottom space and stable rockwork is preferable for long-term husbandry. Tankmates should be chosen carefully, as this species is not reef-safe and may consume any fish or crustaceans small enough to fit in its mouth. Compatible companions, when used at all, are robust species too large to be prey and unlikely to harass it. It is strictly carnivorous, feeding on meaty foods such as marine fish, shrimp, squid, and other prey items offered whole or in appropriately sized pieces.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 50 gallons
Max Size: 6 inches
Care Level: Hard
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Hard

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

How big does a Super Red Angler actually get, and what tank size is appropriate for a single specimen?

Most Super Red Anglers sold in the hobby are frogfish/anglerfish-type ambush predators that stay relatively compact, usually around 4–7 inches depending on the exact species and individual growth. For one adult, a 30-gallon tank is the practical minimum, but 40–55 gallons is better because it gives room for stable water quality and a proper feeding response. They are not active swimmers, so footprint and stability matter more than height.

What do I feed a Super Red Angler, and how do I train one off live food?

They should be fed meaty marine foods such as silversides, squid, shrimp, krill, and appropriately sized marine fish or crustacean chunks. Most arrive on live food, but many can be weaned to frozen by using feeding tongs and offering food with subtle movement. Never rely on feeder goldfish; they are nutritionally poor and can cause serious long-term health issues. Feed juveniles every 1–2 days and adults about 2–4 times per week, only as much as they will consume without excess.

Can a Super Red Angler live with other fish, and if so, which tankmates are actually safe?

Tankmates are risky because Super Red Anglers are ambush predators that will eat anything they can fit in their mouth. Safe companions are limited to larger, non-aggressive fish that are too big to swallow, such as some tangs or rabbitfish in a suitably large marine system. Avoid shrimp, crabs, small fish, and anything fast enough to stress or nip the angler. In many cases, a species-only tank is the best setup.

What water conditions does a Super Red Angler need, and are they sensitive to changes?

They need stable, fully marine conditions: temperature around 74–78°F, salinity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, and zero ammonia/nitrite. They are not especially demanding about strong flow, but they do poorly with instability, poor oxygenation, or dirty water. Because they are messy eaters, strong filtration and regular maintenance are essential, but avoid blasting them with current since they prefer low-to-moderate flow and a calm environment.

Why is my Super Red Angler refusing food, and when should I worry?

Refusal is often caused by stress from transport, poor water quality, unsuitable prey size, or feeding too often. Newly acquired anglers may not eat for several days to even a couple of weeks while acclimating, especially if they were recently shipped. Worry if it is losing body mass, becoming lethargic, or refusing multiple feedings after water parameters are confirmed stable. Try smaller prey, more natural movement with feeding tongs, dimmer lighting, and a quiet tank with minimal disturbance.

Goes well with:

**Introduction to Red Anglerfish (Antennarius sp.)**

The Red Anglerfish, often referred to as a “Frogfish,” is one of the most unique and specialized predators in the saltwater hobby. Known for its vibrant red coloration and incredible camouflage, this species blends seamlessly into rockwork and coral structures. What sets anglerfish apart is their built-in “fishing lure” (illicium), which they use to attract prey before striking with lightning speed. Their unusual movement, often walking along surfaces using modified fins, makes them a standout centerpiece in species-specific setups.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Moderate to Difficult
Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Requires stable rockwork, low to moderate flow, and a species-focused environment

Red Anglers are not active swimmers and prefer to perch rather than roam. A calm tank with minimal competition and secure rock structures is ideal.

Diet & Nutrition

Red Anglerfish are carnivorous ambush predators that feed on live or meaty foods.

Diet: Carnivorous – Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Recommended Foods:

Live or frozen shrimp
Small feeder fish (used sparingly)
Silversides or other meaty marine foods

They can often be trained to accept frozen foods using feeding tools, but initial feeding may require live prey.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 3–5+ years
Growth Rate: Moderate – Typically reaches 4–6 inches depending on species

They grow steadily but remain relatively sedentary throughout their lives.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Predatory
Reef Safe? No – Will consume fish and invertebrates that fit in its mouth

Red Anglers should be kept alone or with extreme caution. Any tankmate small enough to be swallowed will eventually become food.

Common Challenges & Considerations

Predatory Behavior: Will eat tankmates, often surprisingly large ones
Overfeeding Risk: Prone to obesity if fed too frequently
Feeding Transition: May require live food before accepting frozen options
Water Quality Sensitivity: Requires stable, clean water despite low activity
Limited Movement: Not a typical “active” display fish