About Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1880)
Gulf toadfish (scientific name Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1880)) are elongate, tapering, robust toadfish with flattened, depressed heads. Their bodies have a mottled color pattern of tan, white, and brown, with a darker posterior region. The caudal and pectoral fins have dark brown bars set against a pale background; the bars on the pectoral fins are irregularly joined together. The dorsal and anal fins feature oblique, alternating brown and white bars. Dorsal fins have 24 or 25 rays, while pectoral fins have 18 or 19 rays. Most commonly, adult Gulf toadfish weigh between 2 and 3 pounds (0.91 to 1.36 kg), and measure 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 cm) in length. Smaller individuals are sometimes caught, weighing as little as 0.25 pounds (110 g) and measuring 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm). This species is found in the Gulf of Mexico, where it is most common in inshore waters around bridges and structured features such as pilings. Gulf toadfish typically inhabit nearshore shallow seagrass beds and rocky areas. Smaller individuals sometimes live inside discarded human objects, like jars or cans. They prefer shallow areas that are located close to populations of baitfish.
