Opsanus tau (Linnaeus, 1766)
Oyster toadfish
Opsanus tau
photo by IGFA

Family:  Batrachoididae (Toadfishes), subfamily: Batrachoidinae
Max. size:  43.2 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,230.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Florida in USA, straggling south to Miami in cold years.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Largely inhabits inshore water on rocky bottoms and reefs, jetties and wrecks. Frequently occurs among litter and tolerates polluted water. Becoming important as an experimental fish because of its size and hardiness. Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35422).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 June 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous
Country info:   
 


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