Pony toadfish
📖 Overview
Pony toadfish (Chatrabus melanurus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Batrachoididae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 26 cm. It occurs at depths between 120 and 600 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 17. Body with 4 dark cross bars; head and body with dark brown spots; soft dorsal and anal fins with irregular oblique dark bands; pectorals pale, with irregular brown bars; caudal dark brown, rear margin pale; large adults with irregular dark ring-like markings on head .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pony toadfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 120 - 600 m , usually 120 - 250 m . Tropical; - 35°S Southeast Atlantic: Angola round the coast to Port St.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batrachoides damaranus | Barnard | 1927 | Synonym |
| Batrachoides melanurus | Barnard | 1927 | Synonym |
| Chatrabus damaranus | Barnard | 1927 | Synonym |
| Thalassophryne vanecki | Smith | 1952 | Synonym |
| Tharbacus vanecki | Smith | 1952 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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