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