Batrichthys apiatus

Batrichthys apiatus, the snakehead toadfish, is a species of fish from the coast of South Africa.

Description

This fish grows up to long and has a somewhat depressed shape. The large, broad head has a few irregularly shaped dark marks and the body and dorsal fin have broad darked-edged brown bars. The large pectoral fins have a few dusky bars. There is a dark line across the eyes, extending onto the gill covers. Small, fleshy tentacles surround the mouth, but these are not always easily visible due to the size of the fish.

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Africa. It is found between Saldanha Bay and the Transkei. It usually occurs at depths of less than and is common in rock pools. It commonly hides under rocks and small boulders.