Virtual Learning Center

Our Oyster Toadfish demonstrating some awesome camouflage!

Vocabulary

  • Oyster Toadfish – a fish found in oyster reefs and vegetated muddy bottoms; it has a large head and its skin is scaleless.
  • Reef – a bar of rock, sand, coral or other material lying beneath the water.
  • Pectoral Fin – fins situated on either side just behind a fish’s head, helping to control direction of movement.

Fun facts

  • The Oyster Toadfish is sometimes called an ugly toad, oyster cracker, oyster catcher or bar dog.
  • There are 80 species of toadfish and most are venomous. They have a hollow venomous spine on their first dorsal fin.
  • It relies on its camouflage to catch its food. They will jam themselves into rocks and blend in.
  • Powerful snapping jaws are used to eat oysters, as well as crabs, fish, and other shell fish.
  • They have a loud fog-horn call that can be heard underwater to attract the female.
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