WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Northern Toadfish

Halophryne diemensis

Also known as: Australian Frogfish, Banded Frogfish, Banded Toadfish, Barbells, Bastard Stonefish, Devilfish, Frogfish, Northern Frogfish, Stonefish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2024
Adult
@perigor2000 · PNG, Indonesia · December 20111 / 4
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Overview

Found singly, in caves and crevices, over sheltered muddy waters, often concealed in debris and mud waiting for its prey, in estuaries, mangrove swamps and coastal reefs. Variable in colour to match their surroundings.
Juveniles sometimes go through a white phase.

Toadfish can make a load croaking noise with their swim bladders. They breathe air when out of water for up to 24hrs. Their mouth can open and expand to the width of their bodies to engulf large prey. Has poisonous spines.

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How to identify

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 4
LIVES IN

Found singly, in caves and crevices, over sheltered muddy waters, often concealed in debris and mud waiting for its prey, in estuaries, mangrove swamps and coastal reefs.

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Adult photos 4

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Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderBatrachoidiformes
    5. familyBatrachoididae
    6. genusHalophryne
    7. speciesHalophryne diemensis (Lesueur, 1824)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

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    More in the family

    Toadfishes (Batrachoididae)