Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth toadfish (Tetractenos glaber) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Temperate waters around south-eastern Australia; coastal bays and estuaries over sandy flats.
Description
The smooth toadfish is a small pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the temperate waters around south-eastern Australia. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with dark spots and a smooth, nearly spineless skin. It lives in coastal bays and estuaries over sandy flats, often in very large schools, and can tolerate brackish water. With its beak-like fused jaw plates it crushes molluscs, crustaceans and worms. Like other puffers it can inflate itself, and its skin and organs contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth toadfish?
The Smooth toadfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Smooth, almost spineless skin; forms large shoals, can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Smooth toadfish live?
The Smooth toadfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around south-eastern Australia; coastal bays and estuaries over sandy flats.
How big does the Smooth toadfish get?
The Smooth toadfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Smooth toadfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth toadfish is harmless to humans. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Smooth toadfish edible?
The Smooth toadfish is not usually eaten.
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More from the family Tetraodontidae
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