Gulf toadfish

The Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) is a species of toadfish found in the Gulf of Mexico.

Description

The Gulf toadfish are elongate, tapering, robust toadfish with a depressed head. They are mottled tan, white, and brown with a darker posterior end. Their caudal and pectoral fins have dark brown bars on a pale background. The bars on the pectoral fins are irregularly joined. The dorsal and anal fins have oblique alternating brown and white bars. The dorsal fins have 24 or 25 rays, and the pectoral fins have 18 or 19 rays. Gulf toadfish commonly weigh 2 to 3 pounds (0.91 to 1.36 kg) and measure 11–14 inches (28–36 cm). However, smaller ones are sometimes caught weighing 0.25 pounds (110 g) measuring 4–5 inches (10–13 cm).

Distribution

The Gulf toadfish is found in the Gulf of Mexico commonly inshore around bridges and structure such as pilings.

Habitat

The Gulf toadfish is often found in near shore shallow sea grass beds and rocky areas. Smaller individuals sometimes inhabit discarded objects, such as jars or cans. They prefer shallow areas near baitfish populations.

Biology

Diet

The Gulf toadfish is an opportunistic feeder and feeds on the bottom. They prefer to be near are