Snakehead toadfish
📖 Overview
Snakehead toadfish (Batrichthys apiatus), first described by Valenciennes, 1837 is a small fish in the family Batrachoididae (order Batrachoidiformes). Adults typically reach 10.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 20; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 17. Prominent, dark brown, irregular crossbars on sides and soft dorsal and anal fins (may become smaller blotches in adults).
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Snakehead toadfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal. Subtropical Southeast Atlantic: known only from Saldanha Bay to Umtata River, Transkei.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphichthys ophiocephalus | Smith | 1947 | Synonym |
| Batrachus apiatus | Valenciennes | 1837 | Synonym |
| Batrichthys ophiocephalus | Smith | 1947 | Synonym |
| Gymnobatrachus ophiocephalus | Smith | 1947 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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