First record of colour abnormalities in the bocon toadfish Amphichthys cryptocentrus (Valenciennes 1837) (Teleostei: Batrachoididae)

The batrachoididAmphichthys cryptocentrusis an estuarine reef-associated species, characterized by a body of a uniformly dark background colour and head greatly depressed. We report colour abnormalities for this species, based on two specimens collected in the south-western Atlantic. Additionally, morphometric data and information about the species’ feeding habits and reproduction are provided. One specimen (most of the body was non-pigmented) exhibited small dark spots over a uniformly white body, but eyes were normally pigmented. Another specimen (totally non-pigmented) was oculocutaneous albino, lacked body pigmentation and eyes were pink-reddish translucent. Potential effects of these colour abnormalities on their ecology and behaviours are discussed.