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Flat toadfish (Colletteichthys dussumieri) — Batrachoididae

Flat toadfish

Colletteichthys dussumieri

The Flat toadfish (Colletteichthys dussumieri) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Em.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The flat toadfish is a toadfish (Batrachoididae) from coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. The species grows to about 27 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 Flat toadfish?

The Flat toadfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Flat toadfish live?

The Flat toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Em.

How big does the Flat toadfish get?

The Flat toadfish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Flat toadfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Flat 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 Flat toadfish edible?

Yes, the Flat toadfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Flat toadfish (Colletteichthys dussumieri) — Batrachoididae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Flat toadfish (Colletteichthys dussumieri) — Batrachoididae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jigar Patel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Flat toadfish (Colletteichthys dussumieri) — Batrachoididae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Flat toadfish (Colletteichthys dussumieri) — Batrachoididae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Afsar Nayakkan, some rights reserved (CC BY))
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All data

Identification

English name
Flat toadfish sourced
Scientific name
Colletteichthys dussumieri
Family
Batrachoididae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
Asia: Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Em. 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
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

More from the family Batrachoididae

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