Fin's Fish Guide
The Scalytail toadfish (Torquigener squamicauda) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The Scalytail toadfish is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal, seagrass and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. 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 Scalytail toadfish?
The Scalytail 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 Scalytail toadfish live?
The Scalytail toadfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia
How big does the Scalytail toadfish get?
The Scalytail toadfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Scalytail toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Scalytail 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 Scalytail toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scalytail toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.