VAggressive” mimicry in the frogfish Antennarius
maculatus. The fishlike lure, or esca, sits at the end
of the elongate first dorsal spine, termed the illicium.
The resemblance of the lure to a real fish is
increased by an anterior eyespot, vertical bars and
mottling on the body, and finlike appendages. The
lure is waved by movements of the illicium, thereby
attracting potential prey fishes. From Pietsch and
Grobecker (1978), used with permission.