F-2590 GULF TOADFISH, Opsanus beta

A smooth-skinned, bad-tempered fish that is commonly found in oyster bars. In the aquarium it will display its elaborate burrowing behavior by constructing a burrow under a rock or a piece of coral, carrying out pebbles and debris in its huge tooth-studded mouth. Then moving in tail first, it writhes to and fro until a burrow is wallowed out and only the toadfish’s head remains visible. Its peculiar mating call is known as the “boat whistle” and males fiercely guard their eggs until they hatch.