Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred toadfish (Contusus richei) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The barred toadfish is a pufferfish from the cool waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky body with dark cross-bars and fine skin prickles; when threatened it can inflate into a ball with water. Like other pufferfishes its body, especially the organs, contains the very powerful toxin tetrodotoxin, making it deadly to eat. As a bottom-dweller it lives in shallow coastal and estuarine water and crushes molluscs and crustaceans with its beak-like mouth. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred toadfish?
The Barred toadfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Can inflate itself; contains deadly tetrodotoxin (poisonous to eat)
Where does the Barred toadfish live?
The Barred toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Australia
How big does the Barred toadfish get?
The Barred toadfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Barred toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Barred toadfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Never eat this fish: like all pufferfishes it contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly poison with no antidote. If swallowed (tingling, paralysis): call emergency services immediately.
Is the Barred toadfish edible?
The Barred toadfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Contusus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Barred toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.