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A sea toad appearing light pink with orange polka dots, large eyes, and a frown

Sea toad

Chaunacidae sp.

Not on exhibit
Animal type
Fishes
Ecosystem
Deep sea
Relatives
Anglerfish; Order Lophiiformes
Diet
Invertebrates and other fish
Range
Worldwide from 4,300 to 11,000 feet (1,300 to 3,300 m)
Size
Up to 12 inches (30 cm) body length excluding the tail

Meet the sea toad

A sea toad sits on the seafloor and waits. If prey comes near, they sticks up a spine on the head and wiggles the frilly tip. When a curious creature checks out the action, the sea toad gulps their prey down.

Cool facts

  • To save energy, this fish “walks” on large fins instead of swimming. Once settled, they fish for food with the shaggy lure on their head.

Up next in deep sea

Animal

Owlfish

Big eyes make the most of what little light reaches the deep sea.

Check out this page – Owlfish

Keep exploring

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Giant siphonophore

When startled, the giant siphonophore glows with bright blue light.

Animal

Deep-sea anglerfish

The "fishing rod" growing from the female anglerfish's snout ends in a glowing blob of light.

Animal

Giant isopod

The giant isopod roams the deep seafloor feasting on fish carcasses and other debris that fall from above.