Everglades Fish Profile: The Gulf Toadfish 

Did you know there are about 300 different species of fish in the Everglades’ waters? For this article, we wanted to share information with you about the Gulf Toadfish, which is a fish that looks like it’s straight from pre-historic times. 

Gulf toadfish are anything but quiet. Wait, fish make sounds? Well, the Gulf toadfish is one of the few fish that can make a sound that humans can actually hear. Cool, right? 

Here are some more fun and interesting facts on this Gulf toadfish: 

  • The fish gets its name because the sounds it makes are toad-like grunts. 
  • This fish makenoises to attract a mate. 
  • These fish are in abundant quantities in the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades because it is not considered a game fish and known to be poor quality when it comes to eating. It has a slimy outside that can be toxic, so people avoid eating it. 
  • They are brown fish and they spend a lot of their time hiding in sand and seaweed.  
  • They prefer shallow waters. 
  • They are known to be a sluggish fish. They can live as deep as 820 feet in the water. 
  • They dart out from seaweed to attack prey. 
  • They can stay alive out of water for a decent amount of time. 
  • They lack scales. 
  • They can grow up to 12.8 inches in length and weigh up to one to three pounds. 
  • They are a bottom feeder fish feeding on crustaceans, annelids, mollusks, and gobies. 
  • Their slimy coating on their body can cause physical irritation to humans. 
  • This fish also goes by the names dogfish, mudfish, and oysterdog. 

Fishing is popular in the Everglades, but you must acquire the proper license and follow the fishing regulations in order to fish legally as not all fish can be caught.  

Take a ride through the Everglades on an airboat and see if you can spot any fish in the water. An airboat ride gives visitors an up-close look at the Everglades; visitors have the chance to spot many different animals, replies, fish, amphibians, flowers, and more. B 

Book an airboat tour with Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours today by calling 800-368-0065 or clicking our Everglades Airboat Tours page.  

Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private  Airboat Tours are the best Everglades airboat tours and are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax). Check out our Facebook page or website for coupons, discounts, and promotions on airboat tours. 

Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department