Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded toadfish (Aphos porosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 28 cm.
Southeast Pacific off Chile and Peru; soft bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
Description
The Chilean midshipman is a toadfish of the family Batrachoididae from the south-eastern Pacific off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 28 cm and has an elongate body with a broad, flat head and a large mouth. It lives on soft bottoms of shallow coastal waters, where it often stays half-buried. As a bottom ambush predator it seizes small fishes and crustaceans. Toadfishes can make humming sounds with the swim bladder. The sharp head and fin spines can give painful puncture wounds, so handle the fish with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded toadfish?
The Banded toadfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Broad, flat head; half-buried ambush predator with sharp head and fin spines that makes humming sounds.
Where does the Banded toadfish live?
The Banded toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Pacific off Chile and Peru; soft bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Banded toadfish get?
The Banded toadfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Banded toadfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded toadfish is harmless to humans. The stout, sharp fin spines can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle the fish with care. Clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases.
Is the Banded toadfish edible?
The Banded toadfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Batrachoididae
Want the complete picture on the Banded toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone