Very few creatures on earth are as amazing and diverse as frogfish. The discovery of one on a dive can excite any diver or photographer as everyone wants to get a chance to see it. At first glance, the frogfish remains motionless, appearing as a large-headed globular and scabby creature that could hardly fend for itself. But in reality, frogfish are calculating and veracious predators that have truly mastered their domain. But what makes them so unique isn’t just their colouration, size, texture, or the ability to remain motionless for hours at a time. It isn’t even the little jets behind their legs that help them swim. What makes them truly unique is that they are a type of anglerfish that come equipped with a fishing rod and lure. If that isn’t enough to pique a photographer’s interest, then I’m not sure what is. But if I’ve got your attention, check out the photo gallery and take a quick peek at a few more uncommon facts about these uncommon animals.

Mike Bartick was born and raised in Southern California, not far from the ocean in Huntington Beach. After finding his first nudibranch on an Open Water checkout dive, he was immediately hooked on diving. Bartick, who splits his time between the Indo-Pacific and the Eastern Pacific as a freelance photographer, photojournalist and field guide, shoots with a Nikon D300 and D300s, Sea and Sea housings, and YS-D1 and YS 250 pro strobes. To see more of his work, visit saltwaterphoto.com.