ToadfishesBatrachoididae

Toadfishes (Batrachoididae), named for their frog-like appearance (from the Greek 'batrachos' meaning frog), are benthic ambush predators. They have broad, flattened heads with dorsally positioned eyes and large mouths, often adorned with barbels and dermal flaps. Their bodies lack scales and are generally muted in colour, though some species display more vivid patterns. They possess two dorsal fins: an anterior spiny fin and a posterior fin with 15 to 25 soft rays. Adults measure from 7.5 cm (3 in) to 57 cm (22.4 in). Pointed spines on the anterior dorsal fin and opercle can be hollow and connected to venom glands in some species, capable of inflicting pain.

Toadfishes inhabit marine environments from shallow waters down to around 100 metres (330 ft). They are found on sandy or muddy substrata or hidden within rocky crevices, where they remain partially buried or concealed while ambushing prey. Their diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. These fish are usually solitary and well-camouflaged, which means they are infrequently encountered by divers. Males produce characteristic sounds using their swim bladders for communication.