Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How are the dorsal fins of toadfishes arranged?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
paracanthopterygian
Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau).
Toadfishes (order Batrachoidiformes) are characterized by having two distinct dorsal fins. The arrangement consists of a short, small anterior fin that is spinous, followed by a long posterior fin composed of soft rays. In certain venomous species, the spines of the anterior dorsal fin are hollow and serve as an efficient apparatus for injecting venom.1234