Blackspotted Puffer
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- Name / Latin
- Blackspotted Puffer — Arothron nigropunctatus
- Brief description
- A marine pufferfish with a rounded body of gray, whitish, or brownish coloration and numerous black spots. Often has a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Inflates when threatened. Contains tetrodotoxin.
- Size:
- up to 33 cm
- Depth:
- 1–25 m
- Habitat:
- Indo-Pacific region, Red Sea, East Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, Polynesia
- Family:
- Tetraodontidae
- Type:
- Fish
- Activity:
- Diurnal
- Conservation status:
- Least Concern (LC) — widely distributed reef species not considered threatened with extinction according to IUCN assessment (2014)
The blackspotted puffer is a marine inhabitant with a rounded gray or brownish-gray body, sometimes having a dark brown or yellowish tint. Its body and snout are covered with irregular black spots, and the eye rim and mouth acquire a black tint like soot.
This species inhabits coral reef areas and near rocks at depths from 3 to 35 meters. The blackspotted puffer prefers a solitary lifestyle, often resting motionless on corals. It feeds on corals, sponges, and algae. When it senses a threat, the puffer takes in air and water, transforming into a protective ball.
