Bluespotted Toadfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata Hardy & Hutchins, 1981

Scientific name: Omegophora cyanopunctata
Alternative name/s:
Blue-spotted Puffer, Bluespotted Pufferfish
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther, Sascha Schulz
  • Updated
    27/01/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Bluespotted Pufferfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata Click to enlarge image
A Bluespotted Pufferfish at a depth of 4m, Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia, June 2009. Image: Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Omegophora
    Species
    cyanopunctata
    Family
    Tetraodontidae
    Order
    Tetraodontiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 18 cm in length.

Introduction

The Bluespotted Toadfish is endemic to Australia, occurring in coastal waters of South Australian and southern Western Australia. It has a yellow belly and blue spots. Males have a dark blotch above the pectoral fin.

Identification

The species can be recognised by its dark banding, yellow belly and blue spots. Males have a dark blotch above the pectoral fin.

Habitat

The fish occurs on coastal reefs and is often seen under jetties.

Distribution

The Bluespotted Toadfish occurs in coastal waters of South Australia and southern Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Danger to humans

The species contains tetrodotoxin and is thus poisonous. It should not be eaten.

References

  1. Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.