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Image © Cindy Abgarian "AMBON" FROGFISH I first learned of this new discovery in the waters surrounding Ambon in February of 2008. Just prior to our late March scheduled liveaboard trip, photos of the rare beauty began to circulate on the web, and I started hoping to be able to see the frogfish firsthand on this Ambon trip. Proclaimed by some to possibly represent a whole new genus to the species, a similar frogfish was first sighted some 15 years ago by Maluku’s DM Toby. It remained elusive until recently, when the owner’s wife spotted it during a dive following her recent scuba certification. Having no trace of a luring apparatus, so commonly associated with frogfish and anglerfish, it is like no other in the species and may very well represent a whole new genus. Hearing about it, knowing where to look, being in the right place with knowledgeable guides, and having a visual reference as to what you are searching for is still no guarantee that you’ll see one. Unlike others in the species that choose to live their life perched on a piece of coral or sponge, these frogfish sport camouflage that allows them to blend into the reef. This rather shy, cryptic fish tends to wedge itself into crevices and the like. Even with the assistance of local guides with up to date location information, it took several dives until our faithful DMs were able to unearth the frogfish for our eyes and cameras alike. My edge up was staying on in Ambon for a few days following the boat trip. It afforded me an extra dive that others, due to flight schedules, unfortunately had to miss. Knowing that I had missed my opportunity to photograph the beauty earlier in the day, my DM for the dive, Made, made it a point of suggesting a return to the site for my final dive with him. I assured him that although I would love a second chance to capture the rare little girl (established as a female later by the DM’s at Maluku), I did not want to focus the dive on it. We lucked out - during the last moments of the dive, she made an appearance and I was able to gain some decent images. Later, in talking to the Maluku dive staff, I was told that there were indeed several of the same frogfish in the adjacent area, but they were all smaller. The one that we had the pleasure and good fortune to witness was indeed a female who was harboring a clutch of eggs nearby. The unfortunate news offered up was, that in order to classify and name this rare frogfish, live specimens will need to be taken and examined. This will no doubt create a turmoil of emotions and decisions for those involved in the discovery. I’m glad it’s not resting on my shoulders.
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