The Scalytail toadfish (Torquigener squamicauda) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Scalytail toadfish is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal, seagrass and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a spotted or mottled back and large, mobile eyes; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong, beak-like jaw it crushes shellfish, crabs and worms. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scalytail toadfish?
The Scalytail toadfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Scalytail toadfish live?
The Scalytail toadfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Scalytail toadfish get?
The Scalytail toadfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Scalytail toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Scalytail toadfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Torquigener
More from the family Tetraodontidae
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