How do oyster toadfish reproduce?
Oyster toadfish spawn from April through October in the Chesapeake Bay’s shallows. • The male toadfish makes a nest in a dark, secluded location, then calls for a female mate with a “boat whistle” sound that only spawning males can make. • The female toadfish lays sticky eggs on the top side of the nest, then leaves. Oyster toadfish eggs measure about one-fifth of an inch in diameter — the largest eggs of any fish in the Chesapeake Bay. • The male toadfish protects the eggs and keeps the nest clean by using his fins to fan out debris. • After about one month, the eggs hatch. The tadpole-like young remain attached to the nest by a yolk. • Once the yolk is fully absorbed, the male guards the young toadlets for a few more weeks, though they are free to swim in and out of the nest. Other facts about oyster toadfish: • An oyster toadfish will quickly take to an angler’s bait, but be wary of catching this fish — they have powerful snapping jaws and sharp spines on the dorsal fin. • In additi
