Sanopus
Sanopus is a genus of fish in the family Batrachoididae, commonly known as toadfishes. They are distinguished by their large, flattened heads and their distinctive calls. Toadfishes are predominantly found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, often inhabiting coastal waters, estuaries, and mangroves.
Common Names
Members of the genus Sanopus are commonly known as toadfishes, a name shared with other members of the Batrachoididae family. Specific species may have additional common names. For example, Sanopus splendidus is known as the "Splendid Toadfish."
Characteristics
Sanopus species are characterized by:
- Large, flattened heads
- Wide, flattened bodies
- Large mouths with numerous small teeth
- Two dorsal fins, the first with spines
- A single anal fin
- Pectoral fins that are often large and fan-like
- The ability to produce loud, grunting or croaking sounds
Environments
Toadfishes in the genus Sanopus are typically found in:
- Coastal waters
- Estuaries
- Mangrove forests
- Sandy or muddy bottoms