The Cheek-barred toadfish (Torquigener hypselogeneion) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.
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Description
The orange-spotted toadfish is a small pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a stocky, sand-coloured body with fine dots that camouflage it on the bottom. It lives in small, loose groups on shallow sand flats of coastal waters and in estuaries. With its beak-like fused jaw plates it crushes molluscs, crustaceans and worms. Like other puffers it can inflate itself with water, and its skin and organs can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cheek-barred toadfish?
The Cheek-barred toadfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sand-coloured camouflaged small pufferfish of sand flats; can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Cheek-barred toadfish live?
The Cheek-barred toadfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; shallow sand flats of coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Cheek-barred toadfish get?
The Cheek-barred toadfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Cheek-barred toadfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cheek-barred toadfish is harmless to humans. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Cheek-barred toadfish edible?
The Cheek-barred toadfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Torquigener
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Cheek-barred toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cheek-barred toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone