Big-eyed Toadfish
📖 Overview
Big-eyed Toadfish (Thalassophryne megalops) 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 6.3 cm. It occurs at depths between 77 and 183 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 16 - 18; Vertebrae: 27. Four faint dark dorsal saddles .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Big-eyed Toadfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 77 - 183 m . Tropical Central Atlantic: known only from the Gulf of Darien off Colombia and off Panama.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Big-eyed Toadfish |
| 🌍CES | žabohlavec čtyřskvrnný |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Boca-de-sapo-americano |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
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