Fish
Sea Toad
Chaunax · also called coffinfish
Walking across the deep seafloor on stubby, leg-like fins rather than swimming, a sea toad carries a small built-in lure much like its anglerfish relatives, its loose, baggy skin giving it one of the more distinctive silhouettes in the deep ocean.
Overview
The sea toad, genus Chaunax, is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling relative of the anglerfish, native to deep ocean seafloor habitat across tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Its leg-like walking fins, loose gelatinous skin, and small built-in lure make it one of the more visually distinctive deep-sea fish found anywhere on the ocean floor.
A fish that walks more than it swims
While most fish rely primarily on swimming to get around, the sea toad has leaned into a walking lifestyle instead, using its fins almost like legs to move deliberately across the seafloor in search of its next meal.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across deep ocean seafloor habitat worldwide and not targeted by fisheries.
Sea Toad: common questions
Why is it called the sea toad?
This species has a round, squat body covered in loose, gelatinous skin and walks along the seafloor on stubby, leg-like fins, an appearance and movement style that led to comparisons with a toad rather than a typical fish.
Is the sea toad related to the anglerfish?
Yes, this species belongs to the same broader group as the anglerfish and has its own small lure used to attract curious prey within striking distance, though its lure is generally less elaborate than that of true anglerfish.
Does the sea toad swim like other fish?
Not primarily, this species uses stubby, leg-like pectoral and pelvic fins to walk along the seafloor rather than relying mainly on swimming through open water.
How does the sea toad defend itself from predators?
This species can inflate its stomach with water when threatened, temporarily increasing its size in an effort to deter potential predators.