Species Type:
Fishes
Common Name(s):
Gulf toadfish
Size:
Male gulf toadfish are slightly larger than females. They reach a maximum length of 12.8 inches (32.4 cm).
Diet:
These fish eat smaller fishes, crustaceans like shrimp and crab, and mollusks.
Range & Habitat:
Gulf toadfish are common in the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They live in seagrass beds, sandy and rocky bottom areas, bays, lagoons and other shallow coastal habitats.
Details:
Gulf toadfish are not particularly striking in appearance, as their muted coloring allows them to blend seamlessly into their environment. Their brown-gray bodies, marked with patches of white, help them stay camouflaged, while their large mouths produce a characteristic toad-like grunt to attract mates—hence their name.