#sanopus

[herpsandbirds]

Splendid Toadfish (Sanopus splendidus), family Batrachoididae, order Batrachoidiformes, Cozumel, Mexico

ENDANGERED.

This fish has a buzzing mating call, which human divers can hear underwater.

photograph by Randy Lawson

[libutron]

Splendid Toadfish - Sanopus splendidus

The Splendid Toadfish, Sanopus splendidus is a marine, reef-associated fish classified in the Family Batrachoididae, the only Family in the Order  Batrachoidiformes. Toadfishes are easily recognized by their characteristic shape, with large, board, flattened head, often with barbels and/or fleshy flaps around their large mouths, and a tapering body.

Sanopus splendidus is attractively patterned in purple. Most of its fins are edged in yellow with the pelvic fin being entirely yellow. It also has a yellow mouth. This species generally lives on sand under crevices or coral heads in clear water, 10-25 m deep. It hunts at night, preying on small fishes, snails and polychaete worms.

The Splendid Toadfish was thought to be only found in Cozumel Island (Quintana Roo, Mexico) but sightings have also been reported in Belize. However, it is not widespread and is Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.

References: [1] - [2] - [3] - [4]

Other common names: Coral Toadfish, Cozumel Splendid Toadfish, Sapo Espléndido.

Photo credit: [Top: ©Alejandro Alamo | Locality: Cozumel Island, Quintana Roo, Mexico - Caribbean, 2010] - [Bottom: ©Erwin Poliakoff | Locality, Cozumel Island, Quintana Roo, Mexico - Caribbean, 2010]