Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacuma toadfish (Batrachoides surinamensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Batrachoididae that grows up to 57 cm.
Description
Batrachoides surinamensis, the pacuma toadfish, is a stocky bottom fish of the family Batrachoididae (toadfishes) from coastal waters of northern South America. The species has a broad, flattened head, a large mouth and a brownish, mottled body with skin flaps, and reaches about 57 cm. It lives mainly in brackish water on sand and mud bottoms in shallow, warm coastal water, where it lies motionless and well camouflaged in ambush. The diet consists of snails, crabs, shrimps and fishes. The species is a locally valued food fish. Like other toadfishes it can produce grunting sounds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacuma toadfish?
The Pacuma toadfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky stalking predator with skin flaps; can produce humming sounds.
Where does the Pacuma toadfish live?
The Pacuma toadfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Coastal waters and estuaries of northern South America.
How big does the Pacuma toadfish get?
The Pacuma toadfish grows to a maximum of about 57 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Pacuma toadfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacuma 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 Pacuma toadfish edible?
Yes, the Pacuma toadfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Batrachoides
More from the family Batrachoididae
Want the complete picture on the Pacuma toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacuma toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.