Fin's Fish Guide
The Hicks' toadfish (Torquigener hicksi) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Hicks' toadfish is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal, seagrass and estuarine water of the waters around Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a spotted or mottled back and large, mobile eyes; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong, beak-like jaw it crushes shellfish, crabs and worms. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hicks' toadfish?
The Hicks' toadfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Hicks' toadfish live?
The Hicks' toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia
How big does the Hicks' toadfish get?
The Hicks' toadfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Hicks' toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Hicks' 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Torquigener
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Hicks' toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hicks' toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.