Fin's Fish Guide
The Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) is a saltwater fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the southern Bay of Biscay to Ghana, including the western Mediterranean Sea and the Gambia River.
Description
The Lusitanian toadfish is a stocky, toad-like bottom fish of the family Batrachoididae reaching about 50 cm. The body is brown and mottled, with a broad, upward-facing mouth and sharp spines on the back and gill covers. The species buries itself in soft sand or mud or hides in rock crevices. It is known for the loud grunting and foghorn-like sounds males make with their swim bladder to attract females; the males then guard the eggs. The toadfish lives in the eastern Atlantic and western Mediterranean, between 10 and 50 m, eating crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lusitanian toadfish?
The Lusitanian toadfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky bottom fish that buries itself and makes loud, humming sounds to attract females; males guard the eggs in cavities.
Where does the Lusitanian toadfish live?
The Lusitanian toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the southern Bay of Biscay to Ghana, including the western Mediterranean Sea and the Gambia River.
How big does the Lusitanian toadfish get?
The Lusitanian toadfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Lusitanian toadfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lusitanian toadfish is harmless to humans. Although not strongly venomous, the gill-cover and dorsal spines are sharp and can give a painful wound; handle the fish carefully and clean and disinfect any wounds.
Is the Lusitanian toadfish edible?
The Lusitanian toadfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Lusitanian toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lusitanian toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Batrachoididae
Want the complete picture on the Lusitanian toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lusitanian toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.