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Bocon toadfish (Amphichthys cryptocentrus) — Batrachoididae

Bocon toadfish

Amphichthys cryptocentrus

The Bocon toadfish (Amphichthys cryptocentrus) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–70.0 m
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Curaçao I., Aruba and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The bocon toadfish is a large toadfish (Batrachoididae) from coastal waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a stocky body with a broad, flattened head, a large mouth and skin flaps. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in holes, under stones and in wrecks and ambushes crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. Males make humming sounds with the swim bladder to attract females. Unlike some relatives it has no venomous spines; the fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bocon toadfish?

The Bocon toadfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bocon toadfish live?

The Bocon toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Curaçao I., Aruba and others

How big does the Bocon toadfish get?

The Bocon toadfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Bocon toadfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bocon toadfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Bocon toadfish edible?

Yes, the Bocon toadfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Bocon toadfish (Amphichthys cryptocentrus) — Batrachoididae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Wilfredor (CC0)
Bocon toadfish (Amphichthys cryptocentrus) — Batrachoididae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) A H, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Bocon toadfish (Amphichthys cryptocentrus) — Batrachoididae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — A H (CC BY 4.0)
Bocon toadfish (Amphichthys cryptocentrus) — Batrachoididae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Amy Deacon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bocon toadfish sourced
Scientific name
Amphichthys cryptocentrus
Family
Batrachoididae
Other names
Bocon toadfish; Sapo bacon; Sapo bocon verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
70.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Curaçao I., Aruba and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Batrachoididae

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