Batrachomoeus trispinosus (Günther, 1861)
Three-spined frogfish
Batrachomoeus trispinosus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Batrachoididae (Toadfishes), subfamily: Halophryninae
Max. size:  31 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 36 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: northwestern Australia, the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819), Thailand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Known from the Mekong delta (Ref. 12693).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal soft rays: 17-20; Vertebrae: 28-29. Description: Characterized by an elongate laterally compressed body; brown and dark edged pale blotches irregularly alternating on side and adjacent dorsal and anal fins; well contrasted bars and blotches on dorsal surface of head; caudal and pectoral fins with distinct brown bands; head depth 3.9-5.4 in SL; upper part of pectoral fin axil with small pore; gill opening extending across entire pectoral fin base; operculum with three spines; gill opening extending over five-sixths of base of pectoral fin; strong conical teeth in jaws, mainly in single series; orbital tentacles not equal in size, middle one usually smaller (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits reefs, mangrove estuaries, and offshore trawling grounds (Ref. 3132). Found over muddy bottoms in shallow estuaries and along coasts. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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