Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Orange Toadfish, also known as the Gulf Toadfish, are found in marine or brackish water coastal seagrass beds and shallow areas of the western Atlantic including Florida and across the Gulf of Mexico. Toadfish are truly an oddball, and while they are not difficult to maintain, they are a species best left to the aquarist willing to provide it with its own aquarium. An ambush predator, Toadfish are relatively inactive throughout the day as they spend their time within some kind of den or burrow waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Toadfish have been known to change their color to aid in camouflage, so we cannot guarantee that your Toadfish, specifically orange in this listing, will maintain this color longterm in a different environment. An adult Toadfish can reach a size of approximately 12.” Notes: Given the restricted compatability of Toadfish with livestock, we order these on a very limited basis. This species is not venomous, though they can bite if the aquarist is not careful. Our specimens will be acclimated to full marine conditions.

Diet Requirements: Toadfish are carnivores and almost always need to be offered live food as a precursor to frozen foods. Some specimens may be reluctant to accept frozen foods altogether. We recommend giving live ghost shrimp a high quality flake food before feeding them to a Toadfish so that they have greater nutritional value. Use a pair of tongs to hold the prey in front of the Toadfish so that it begins to associate the tongs with feeding. Other live foods that can gain interest include earthworms or crayfish/crabs without their claws. Once your Toadfish is interested in frozen foods, appropriate options will vary depending on the size of the individual. Examples include pieces of shrimp, krill, and chopped fish to maintain optimal health and coloration. Because Toadfish are actually quite sedentary, they can be fed more infrequently than most fish. Check the body condition of your Toadfish and feed accordingly, which may be every few days. Note: While we strive to offer Toadfish that are eating frozen foods, or a combination of frozen foods and live foods, it is not uncommon for them to revert back to only accepting live foods, or ignoring food altogether, for a period of time due to the stress of a new environment.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a “species only” tank for a Toadfish. Despite its large adult size, the sedentary lifestyle of this fish makes it acceptable to maintain in this aquarium size. A Toadfish should not be added into a biologically immature aquarium, as it is sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. Ensure to remove uneaten live foods, as these can soil water parameters quicker. Toadfish are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor, but a marine sand or substrate is ideal in addition to some rocks that can create a cave or two for it to hang in during the day. Only one Toadfish should be kept per aquarium, and this species truly does best alone given its predatory nature, how quickly it grows, and its specific care. Recommended water conditions, 68-82° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.018-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 3”, Medium: 4” to 6”, Large: 7”+

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.