Common Name
Atrato Toadfish
Year Described
Eigenmann, 1922
Identification
Dorsal Fin: II, 23-25
Anal Fin: 22-24
Pectoral Fin: 15-16
Pelvic Fin: I, 2-3
Vertebrae: 8 precaudal, 24-26 caudal
Dorsal spines (2) hollow and venomous. The base of the uppermost pectoral fin rays has 2-3 pored glands. Head large and dorso-ventrally flattened. Lateral line distinct. Eyes relatively large.
Color
Light brown with five dark saddle markings on the body. Larger specimens with darker dorsum anteriorly obscuring first two saddles. Pectoral and caudal fins with dark spots. Anal fin with a dark stripe down the middle of the fin.
Size
Maximum size to 180mm SL.
Habitat
Freshwater riverine in clear waters with unvegetated bottom. Benthic
Range
Rio Atrato in Colombia.
References
Collette, B.B. 1973. Daector quadrizonatus, a valid species of freshwater venomous toadfish from the Río Truandó, Colombia with notes on additional material of other species of Daector. Copeia 1973(2): 355-357.
Other Notes
Included as it evolved from marine ancestors.
Relatives of this species are eastern Pacific endemics, so it was likely that the population in the Atlantic drainage was isolated on the Atlantic Slope when it’s tributary was captured by the Rio Atrato during the tectonic uplifts in the region millions of years ago (Collette, 1973).