Drift and stranding of frogfishes (Genus Antennarius) along the Pacific coast of Japan in 2025–2026

Abstract Stranding events of frogfishes ( genus Antennarius ) are rarely documented despite their ecological uniqueness as benthic ambush predators [1]. This study reports five stranded frogfish individuals representing two species, Antennarius striatus and Antennarius commersoni , recorded along the Pacific coast of central Honshu, Japan, between March 2025 and April 2026. All specimens were found during spring and exhibited no apparent external injuries or advanced decomposition, suggesting recent mortality before stranding. Species identification was based on external morphology, body coloration, and published diagnostic characters. Seasonal storms, wave action, and coastal transport processes may have contributed to the displacement and deposition of these benthic fishes [4, 5]. These observations provide new information on the occurrence of frogfish strandings and contribute to a better understanding of post-mortem transport processes affecting benthic marine fishes.