In wildlife you can find a real abundance of a variety of creatures, characterized by the bizarre forms. One of these is the toad fish - an amazing representative of the fauna. Get to know him better.
Description
Toad fish is one of the marine inhabitants, it can be found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where it lives at the bottom, buried in silt or sand.
Distinctive features of this unusual creation of nature are as follows:
- The size of the elongated body is up to 30 cm.
- The chest and head are massive, against their background, small tail and fins look even more miniature.
- The lower lip is unusual: on it there is a kind of leathery fringe, which gives pictures of the toad fish.
- Deep set eyes are small, blue or reddish tint.
- Big mouth.
- The color is yellowish-gray with a brown tint and fancy spots of various shapes.
- Scales are missing.
- The fins are covered with poisonous spikes.
- On the gills you can observe sharp thorns, which are also poisonous.
- The average weight can reach two kilograms.
They differ not only in their unusual appearance, but also in their voice. Due to frequent muscle contractions, the fish manage to make sounds reminiscent of drum roll, whistle, groan, grunt or buzz. Signals are most often given to other representatives of the species, letting them know that this place already has a host. However, sharp and loud sounds are heard by a person and you cannot call them pleasant.
Even more interesting and unusual is the three-needle toad fish batrachomoeus trispinosus, living in the Pacific Ocean in hot latitudes. Her whole body is covered with bizarre growths, which makes this creature seem frankly ugly to some.
Lifestyle
In nature, prefers to dwell at the bottom of shallow reservoirs near the coast. It leads mostly nocturnal life, hiding in secluded grottoes during the day. It is interesting that these amazing fish often choose abandoned mollusk shells or canned cans that have fallen to the bottom as their home. In nature, this amazing marine creature uses worms, crabs, and fry for food. Due to its camouflage color, the fish completely merges with the seabed. Sitting still, she patiently waits for the careless fish, after which she deftly grabs it. When it is not possible to get food, this creation can enjoy the vegetation.
Breeding
Reproduction is quite interesting: fish create strong pairs and are monogamous. They take good care of the offspring: both parents will be at the masonry, protecting it until the fry appear. And after that the kids are not immediately left, but are with them for some time.
They are characterized by slowness and are extremely reluctant to move. They do not possess commercial value, but have found application as an exotic decoration of aquariums.
Home Content
The toad fish in the aquarium will become a real decoration and pride of the aquarist, because it is characterized by a peaceful disposition and unpretentiousness. But in order for her to feel comfortable, it is necessary to purchase a rather impressive capacity - at least 250 liters will be required for one individual. The optimum water temperature is approximately 25 ° C. It is recommended to use water that is slightly salty or even fresh, it all depends on the conditions in which the acquired individual used to live.
These creatures quickly get used to captivity and even begin to recognize the owner. They should be fed a variety of meat food: small fish, shrimp, squid meat will do. If you wish and have patience, you can train an unusual pet to take food directly from your hands. It is recommended to feed your pet no more than 1-2 times a week. The content of such an unusual creation will not cause problems, the main thing is to select large fish as neighbors so that they do not become food for the underwater toad. However, one cannot count on captive breeding, as long as there are no known cases of offspring in fish kept in aquariums.
It is very important to remember that toad fish is a poisonous creature, its secret in effect is similar to scorpion venom: not deadly, but very painful and can cause allergies. Therefore, accidentally pricking on a spike or a thorn, you should take an allergy remedy and treat the wound with a hot compress - under the influence of high temperature, the toxin will be destroyed.
The toad fish in a marine aquarium looks very beautiful and unusual, but the main thing is to remember to be careful and take proper care of it.