Toado in Trouble at Trevor’s

29
Dec

Last year we saw a school of starry toado - a first at the Poor Knights, and now another first, as Tamra, on board Calypso today, took these shots of this lonely toado in trouble at Trevor's.

Spotted at the surface in Trevor’s Rocks today, this real life drama unfolded before our eyes, as a starry toado, puffed at the surface, got into even more trouble as a snapper circling below decided it was time for tea.

The defense mechanism that puffs up this fish, also makes it hard for it to escape - almost a sitting duck, as the snapper broke the surface and tried to take a bite, pushing him under.

The mouth open, and wide eyes, certainly gives it a human dimension, and mother nature is sometimes a cruel mistress, but fascinating to watch, as the circle of life diminishes. 

No doubt the game of cat and mouse is almost over at the Islands, but these candid shots certainly tell a story.

For more information

Last years shot of a school of starry toado

The scientific name is Arothron firmamentum, but they are called a couple of common names.

Starry pufferfish

Starry toadfish

Mainstay puffer