ANIMAL SPECIES:Blackspotted Pufferfish, Arothron nigropunctatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
The Blackspotted Pufferfish occurs on coral reefs feeding off the live coral.
Identification
The Blackspotted Pufferfish can be recognised by its colouration. It is grey to brown above and white to yellow below. There are irregular black spots on the body and a pale band across the snout.
Size range
The species grows to 25 cm in length.Distribution
The Blackspotted Pufferfish occurs in the Indo-Pacific region.
In Australia it is known from the offshore reefs of north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Blackspotted Pufferfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection
Habitat
The species occurs on coral reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It eats mainly live corals.
Classification
- Species:
- nigropunctatus
- Genus:
- Arothron
- Family:
- Tetraodontidae
- Order:
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
- Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific: New Caledonia to Tahiti and the Pitcairn Islands. University of Hawai’i Press. Pp. 584.
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A Blackspotted Pufferfish at the Great Barrier Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Lateral view of a Blackspotted Pufferfish View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Blackspotted Pufferfish photographed at night View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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