Milkspot Toadfish, Chelonodon patoca (Hamilton, 1822)

Scientific name: Chelonodon patoca
Alternative name/s:
Marbled Toado, Milkspotted Puffer
Milkspot Toadfish, Chelonodon patoca Click to enlarge image
A 20cm long Milkspot Toadfish caught on hook and line (prawn bait) in Darwin Harbour, 25 June 2011. Image: Justin McKenzie
© Justin McKenzie

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Chelonodon
    Species
    patoca
    Family
    Tetraodontidae
    Order
    Tetraodontiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to 33 cm in length.

Introduction

The Milkspot Toadfish can be recognised by its blotched colouration. In Australia it occurs in tropical marine waters.

Identification

The species is grey to brown above with large white blotches. Colouration fades to white below.

Distribution

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.

References

  1. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.