Oyster Toadfish in Puerto Aventuras?

[jimmy12]

On a night dive this past Friday our divers found what looks like an Oyster Toadfish. The photos, taken by Pam S. are posted in the photo gallery http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/140523[/URL]. The question is, if the ID is correct, they are not supposed to be in the area as far as I can tell. Any thoughts?

Jim
Aquanauts Dive Shop

 

[BTravlin]

I think this will get better responses in the general Mexico forum. I've asked the mods to move it. Hope you don't mind.

 

[craracer]

Albeit slightly different from the photo in Reef Fish Identification, by their written description, I'm leaning towards the Large Eye Toadfish:

"Long chin barbels that are often branched. Fleshy tabs (papillae) along lateral line have fine outer points".

 

[jimmy12]

After some more searching about on the net, I'm starting to think that it is a Gulf Toadfish. Still not a native to the area, but only 300 or so miles from home.

Jim
Aquanauts

 

[reefrat]

My wife took this photo yesterday at Paso del Cedral in Cozumel.
As far as we can tell it is an Oyster Toadfish but maybe someone can enlighten us?
She was looking for Splendid Toadfish at the time but spotted this!