Smooth Toadfish, Tetractenos glaber (Fréminville, 1813)

Scientific name: Tetractenos glaber
Similar species:
The species looks similar to the CommonToadfish. They can be separated by skin texture and colouration. The Smooth Toadfish has larger spots and blotches. It has minute spines embedded in the skin, which has a smooth texture, hence the common name. The Common Toadfish is covered with small prickles.
Smooth Toadfish, Tetractenos glaber Click to enlarge image
A Smooth Toadfish at a depth of 1 m, Shelly Beach, Manly, New South Wales, 23 January 2010. Image: Will Teo
© Will Teo

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Tetractenos
    Species
    glaber
    Family
    Tetraodontidae
    Order
    Tetraodontiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to 15 cm in length.

Introduction

The Smooth Toadfish is very common in parts of south-eastern Australia. Despite its 'friendly' appearance, the fish is toxic and should not be eaten.

Identification

The Smooth Toadfish has a moderately elongate, thick body that tapers to a narrow caudal peduncle. There is a distinct skin fold along the lower side from the rear of the pectoral fin to the base of the caudal fin.

This species can be recognised by its colour pattern. It is sandy coloured to pale greenish above and white below. The back and sides are covered with dark blotches. There is a dark band between the eyes, another between the pectoral fins and a third through the dorsal fin base.

Smooth Toadfish
Smooth Toadfish buried in the sand
Smooth Toadfish

Habitat

It occurs in estuaries and coastal bays.

Distribution

The Smooth Toadfish is endemic to Australia. It occurs from southern Queensland to Tasmania and as far west as the central coast of South Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Danger to humans

The species is toxic and should not be eaten.

References

  1. Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.