Tetractenos hamiltoni (Richardson, 1846)

Nomenclature

Tetractenos hamiltoni, commonly called the common toadfish or common toado, was formerly classified under the names Tetrodon hamiltoni and Torquigener hamiltoni. It is a fish species belonging to the family Tetraodontidae, order Tetraodontiformes.

Distribution

This species is distributed along Australia’s eastern coast from northern Queensland to Flinders Island, around Lord Howe Island, and also occurs in New Zealand waters.

Burrowing Behavior

Common toadfish often bury themselves in sand, leaving only their eyes exposed.

Coloration

Their base body colour ranges from sandy to whitish, with small brown spots covering most of the back and upper sides, and brown bars and blotches on the underside.

Size

This species reaches a maximum total length of 14 centimetres (5.5 inches).

Similar Species Distinction

It looks similar to the smooth toadfish, but differs by having smaller spots and more prominent skin spines.

Corneal Pigment Adjustment

Like some other fish species, the common toadfish can adjust the amount of pigment in its cornea, which turns yellow when exposed to bright light.

Aquarium Keeping

It is rarely kept as an aquarium fish in brackish-water aquariums.

Common Local Name

Along with other related toadfish species, it is commonly referred to as a "toadie" in Australia.

Toxicity

Like other members of its family, its flesh contains the toxin tetrodotoxin, and eating this fish can result in fatal poisoning.