Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau) fish species and information / pictures of Oyster toadfish - Opsanus tau

Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau) fish species information

Scientific Name
Opsanus tau

Common Name
Oyster toadfish

Biology
Largely inhabits inshore water on rocky bottoms and reefs, jetties and wrecks. Frequently occurs among litter and tolerates polluted water. Becoming important as an experimental fish because of its size and hardiness. Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35422).

Classification

Classified By

Linnaeus, 1766

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Toadfishes (Batrachoidiformes)

Family

Toadfishes (Batrachoididae)

Distribution

Region

Western Atlantic

Distribution

Western Atlantic: Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Florida in USA, straggling south to Miami in cold years.

Range

43°N - 25°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated

Trophic Level

3.63 s.e. 0.60 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

43.2 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5156 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Moderate to high vulnerability (50 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.11; tmax=8)

Threat To Humans

Venomous (Ref. 4690)

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated