Travel enthusiast captures rare footage of striated frogfish... a mysterious sea creature covered in spines that resemble HAIR

  • John Hawkins filmed the sea creature while diving in the Philippines
  • The fish is also known as a hairy frogfish because of dermal spinules
  • A dorsal spine hangs from its head and acts as a fishing rod for prey

By Jake Polden For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A travel enthusiast captured some incredible footage of a striated frogfish after coming across the rare species while diving.

John Hawkins filmed the sea creature, also known as the hairy frogfish, in the Philippines during a travel excursion to the country.

The fish acquired its secondary name on account of its long and narrow dermal spinules, which cover its entire body and resemble hair.

John Hawkins filmed the sea creature, also known as the hairy frogfish, in the Philippines during a travel excursion to the country

John Hawkins filmed the sea creature, also known as the hairy frogfish, in the Philippines during a travel excursion to the country

The fish belongs to the family Antennariidae and is capable of growing to almost nine inches in length.

Striated frogfish have round bodies that have the ability to extend, and large mouths, which allow it to swallow prey the same size as itself.

The species has no consistent colouring as different fish tend to match the shades of their own individual surroundings.

The fish also has the ability to change its pigmentation to adapt to a new environment – this usually takes a few weeks to complete.

The first dorsal spine, which hangs from the front of the fish and is clearly visible in the video, acts as a fishing rod for prey

The first dorsal spine, which hangs from the front of the fish and is clearly visible in the video, acts as a fishing rod for prey

The fish belongs to the family Antennariidae and is capable of growing to almost nine inches in length

The fish belongs to the family Antennariidae and is capable of growing to almost nine inches in length

The first dorsal spine, which hangs from the front of the fish and is clearly visible in the video, acts as a fishing rod for prey.

Striated frogfish wave the fin to lure unsuspecting sea creatures towards them before striking out to attack.

John Hawkins documents his numerous trips on his website and said that he has had the pleasure of meeting countless people and has been scuba diving with incredible sea creatures.

He also wrote: 'I have been fortunate enough to capture all of these amazing things through film and photo and it is my pleasure to be able to share all of my experiences with you.'

Striated frogfish have round bodies that have the ability to extend, and large mouths, which allow it to swallow prey the same size as itself

Striated frogfish have round bodies that have the ability to extend, and large mouths, which allow it to swallow prey the same size as itself

Team Pages

Most watched News videos