| Family: |
Batrachoididae (Toadfishes), subfamily: Batrachoidinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,200.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 70 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Panama to Brazil. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-29; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 23-25; Vertebrae: 36-38. Head depressed, trunk compressed; molariform teeth on both jaws; no venomous gland on any spine; body brownish dorsally with black diffuse mottlings, pale ventrally; lateral line pores distinct with white spots; fin membranes black distally (Ref. 13608). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits littoral (subtidal) waters; usually found on sandy or rock bottom; large fish may be found in waters less than 1 m of depth hiding in crevices or caves (Ref. 3273). Feeds mostly on molluscs and crustaceans. Reported to be moderately abundant and regularly consumed by fishermen (Ref. 50841). Eggs are deposited on the shells of mollusks and on stones. One of the very few marine fishes that guards fry and juveniles. It is caught in traps and special types of hooks (garrapinos) (Ref. 50841). Marketed fresh. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 January 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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