Toadfish is the common name for a variety of species from several different families of fish, usually because of their toad-like appearance. Dogfish is a name for certain species along the gulf coast.[clarification needed]

The oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau) is one of the Batrachoididae.

Dolphin-Toadfish relationship

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Toadfish make up a notable portion of the dolphin's diet, approximately 13%. Scientific experiments have shown that the mating call of the toadfish alerts dolphin predators to the fish's location. Similarly, the sounds caused by the dolphin when hunting its prey alert toadfish to the location of the predators and cause the fish to silence their mating call. Male toadfish will reduce their mating calls by up to 50% when they hear the low sound of a dolphin's "pop".[1]

Batrachoididae

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The entire family Batrachoididae are called toadfishes. They are benthic ambush predators, known for their ability to produce sound with their swim bladders.

 
Smooth toadfish, Tetractenos glaber (Tetraodontidae).

Tetraodontidae

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The name toadfish is applied to some species of the family Tetraodontidae, including:

 
Dark toadfish, Neophrynichthys latus (Psychrolutidae).

Psychrolutidae

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The name toadfish is also applied to some species of the family Psychrolutidae:

Gobiidae

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References

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  1. ^ "Fish Eavesdrop to Avoid Becoming Dinner". Livescience. 3 November 2006. Retrieved 2016-10-20.
  2. ^ Australian Faunal Directory: Tetractenos hamiltoni.
  3. ^ Australian Faunal Directory: Tetractenos glaber.
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