The Gulf Toadfish: A Misunderstood Underwater Vocalist

A Gulf toadfish.

by Spencer Haltom

Hi, my name is Spencer, and I’m an environmental education intern here at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. One of my favorite animals in the Discovery Center, found in the deep end of the touch tank, is the Gulf toadfish. Named for its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf toadfish is one of about 80 species of toadfish worldwide and is endemic to the Gulf—meaning it's only found here, with no known sightings in the Caribbean. This species prefers seagrass beds and sandy or rocky substrates, often hiding among seaweed or burying itself in the sand.

The Gulf toadfish is named for its toad-like grunt and whistle, a distinctive sound it makes by contracting muscles in its swim bladder, an organ that helps regulate buoyancy. Like their amphibian namesakes, Gulf toadfish lack scales but can grow up to 12 inches in length. They feed primarily on small fish, crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, and mollusks. Their brown-and-white coloration helps them blend in with sandy environments.

Male Gulf toadfish are known to guard their nests, which are typically found in shells or sponges, until the eggs hatch. One of their few known predators is the barracuda, though dolphins and sea turtles may also pose a threat.