Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, tapering; head flattened dorsoventrally, eyes on top of head; mouth large, slightly oblique; color golden, greenish or brownish with yellowish belly and several darker blotches on the sides; several rows of "photophores" on sides and ventral surface; opercle with sharp spine capable of injecting harmless (to humans) venom; 2 dorsal fins, the 1st consisting of 2 spines and no rays; 2nd dorsal fin and anal fin long with many rays; body scaleless, smooth; no fleshy tabs on head; pelvic fins small, anterior to pectoral fins. |
Similar Species |
The Gulf toadfish has 3 spines in its 1st dorsal fin, fleshy tabs on jaws and eyes, and no photophores. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, bottom dwellers, prefer sandy or mud bottoms |
Maximum Size |
29 cm (11 1/2 in), common to 20 cm (8 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. II+34-36; A. III,30-37 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
P. porossissimus |
Comments |
Its name comes from the arrangement of the photophores on ventral surface which resemble the buttons on a nineteenth century naval midshipman's uniform; Can produce sounds like grunts and whistles. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |