Tetractenos glaber
10cm
50 sites
Tetraodontidae
The Smooth Toadfish (Tetractenos glaber) is a common sight for divers and snorkellers exploring the temperate waters of Southern Australia. Don't let the name fool you – while technically a 'toadfish', it's actually a type of pufferfish, belonging to the Tetraodontidae family. These little guys, typically around 10cm but occasionally reaching 15cm, are bottom dwellers, often found pottering around the seabed in search of a meal they never find (more on that later!). Their unassuming appearance belies a fascinating life history and some surprising adaptations. Keep an eye out for them nestled amongst seagrass or rocky reefs - you might just spot one! Despite its lack of appeal in terms of dive site sightings, divers find this fish relatively interesting.
The Smooth Toadfish is easily recognized by its small size and smooth, scaleless skin. Its colouration is typically a mottled grey or brown, often with darker spots or blotches. Its body is somewhat pear-shaped, tapering towards the tail. Unlike some pufferfish, it lacks prominent spines. The most distinctive feature is its small mouth and the characteristic 'pouty' expression common to pufferfish.
Weeping Toadfish
1 sites
