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Boulenger's toadfish (Batrachoides boulengeri) — Batrachoididae

Boulenger's toadfish

Batrachoides boulengeri

The Boulenger's toadfish (Batrachoides boulengeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Panama

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Description

The Boulenger's toadfish is a toadfish (Batrachoididae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off Central and South America. The species grows to about 36 cm and has a stocky body with a broad, flattened head, a large mouth and skin flaps. As a bottom-bound ambush hunter it lies hidden on sand and mud bottoms and engulfs passing prey; males make humming sounds in the breeding season to guard a nest. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Boulenger's toadfish?

The Boulenger's toadfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Boulenger's toadfish live?

The Boulenger's toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Panama

How big does the Boulenger's toadfish get?

The Boulenger's toadfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Boulenger's toadfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Boulenger's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Boulenger's toadfish sourced
Scientific name
Batrachoides boulengeri
Family
Batrachoididae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Panama 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

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

Same genus Batrachoides

More from the family Batrachoididae

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