Batrachus tau beta Goode & Bean, 1880 Opsanus vandeuseni Fowler, 1939 The Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) is a species of toadfish found in the Gulf of Mexico.

and measure 11–14 inches (28–36 cm) but smaller ones are sometimes caught weighing 0.25 pounds (110 g).

They will eat anglers' baits readily and prevent them from catching game fish.

They are widely disliked because they have a tendency to swallow hooks making them difficult to unhook.

The purpose of these excretions is still unknown and, although it can have irritating effects on people and fish, it is not a toxin.