Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive (Good with Predator Tank)
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: No
Minimum Tank Size: 50 Gallons
Max Size: 12 inches

Appearance

The oyster toadfish's scaleless, flattened body grows to about 12 inches in length. It has an olive-brown back with dark blotches or bars, and a pale belly. Fleshy flaps or “whiskers” appear on its cheeks and jaws. Big, bulging eyes rest on the top of its large, flat head. Its broad mouth is filled with strong, rounded teeth.

The Toadfish, Opsanus beta, hails from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is almost always a orange/brown hue.  It is a bottom dwelling predator that seeks out small fish and inverts. It  is best kept in a large aquarium void of these small organisms. With such a large mouth and a large appetite, the Toadfish can make many small organisms prey. They are hardy and can handle large fluctuations in tank specs. 

Feeding

The oyster toadfish feeds mostly on small crabs and other crustaceans but will also eat mollusks and small fish.

Did You Know?

• An oyster toadfish will quickly take an angler's bait. But be wary of catching this fish — it has powerful, snapping jaws and sharp spines on its dorsal fin.
• The hardy oyster toadfish can tolerate litter and polluted water, and can survive out of water for a lengthy period of time.
• Although it is edible, oyster toadfish are rarely eaten because of their grotesque appearance.