Fin's Fish Guide
The Niquim toadfish (Thalassophryne nattereri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 21 cm.
South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago
Description
Natterer's niquim toadfish is a truly venomous toadfish (Batrachoididae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic off Brazil. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, scaleless, brown body with a large, flat head and a wide mouth. As a bottom-dweller it often lies half-buried in sand and mud. Unlike most toadfishes it carries hollow dorsal and gill-cover spines linked to venom glands; a sting gives a very painful, strongly swelling wound. Treat as a serious venomous sting.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Niquim toadfish?
The Niquim toadfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Niquim toadfish live?
The Niquim toadfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago
How big does the Niquim toadfish get?
The Niquim toadfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Niquim toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Niquim toadfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thalassophryne
More from the family Batrachoididae
Want the complete picture on the Niquim toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Niquim toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.