Oyster Toadfish ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

Oyster Toadfish

Opsanus tau

Size: to 15"

Habitat:

Generally inshore on hard bottoms and in shellfish beds, in 30-40 foot depths.

Notes:

Small but feisty, this fish may snap at your fingers with its powerful jaws when caught. Up close, Toadfish have ugly ogre-like faces, and eyes that seem to glow red from inside. They also make loud croaking noises during the breeding season. Toadfish are favorite laboratory subjects and have even flown in orbit on the Space Shuttle.

Fishes of the Gulf of Maine

River & Inlet

These fishes are most likely to be found on or near the bottom in the rivers and inlets, either resting or swimming around. In addition, many of the types more often found out at sea may be found in the rivers and inlets. In addition, many tropical fishes may be found here as well.

Many of the types presented here are representative of entire families of similar related species. While some are closely related, others are not. These particular species are the most common in our area.

More: River & Inlet ...

Oyster Toadfish

River & Inlet

Porbeagle