Batrichthys apiatus

Last updated

Batrichthys apiatus
Batrichthys apiatus 2.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Batrachoidiformes
Family: Batrachoididae
Genus: Batrichthys
Species:
B. apiatus
Binomial name
Batrichthys apiatus
(Valenciennes, 1837)
Synonyms [2]
  • Batrachus apiatus Valenciennes, 1837
  • Amphichthys ophiocephalusSmith, 1947
  • Batrichthys ophiocephalus(Smith, 1947)
  • Gymnobatrachus ophiocephalus(Smith, 1947)

Batrichthys apiatus, the snakehead toadfish, is a species of fish from the coast of South Africa.

Contents

Description

This fish grows up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long and has a somewhat depressed shape. The large, broad head has a few irregularly shaped dark marks and the body and dorsal fin have broad darked-edged brown bars. The large pectoral fins have a few dusky bars. There is a dark line across the eyes, extending onto the gill covers. Small, fleshy tentacles surround the mouth, but these are not always easily visible due to the size of the fish. [3]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Africa. It is found between Saldanha Bay and the Transkei. [4] It usually occurs at depths of less than 10 m (33 ft) and is common in rock pools. It commonly hides under rocks and small boulders. [3]

References

  1. Collette, B.B. (2024). "Batrichthys apiatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2024: e.T87518590A87542245. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T87518590A87542245.en . Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  2. "Batrichthys apiatus". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species . Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  3. 1 2 Zsilavecz, Guido (2005). Coastal fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay : a divers' identification guide. Cape Town: Southern Underwater Research Group. ISBN   0-620-34230-7. OCLC   70133147.
  4. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Batrichthys apiatus". FishBase . April 2023 version.