Fin's Fish Guide
The Grunting toadfish (Allenbatrachus grunniens) is a brackish-water fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 30 cm.
Asia: Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Kuwait and others
Description
The grunting toadfish is a toadfish (Batrachoididae) from coastal, brackish and fresh water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 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, bank burrows and among roots and ambushes crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; it makes grunting sounds with its swim bladder. The dorsal and gill-cover spines carry venom and a sting is painful; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Grunting toadfish?
The Grunting toadfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Grunting toadfish live?
The Grunting toadfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Kuwait and others
How big does the Grunting toadfish get?
The Grunting toadfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Grunting toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Grunting toadfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Batrachoididae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grunting toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.