Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded toadfish (Marilyna pleurosticta) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The Banded toadfish is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of southern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a brown pattern of spots and bars; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes molluscs and crustaceans. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded toadfish?
The Banded toadfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Banded toadfish live?
The Banded toadfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea
How big does the Banded toadfish get?
The Banded toadfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Banded toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Banded toadfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve poison with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Tetraodontidae
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