Animal Species:Bluespotted Toadfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata Hardy & Hutchins, 1981

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.

Bluespotted Pufferfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata

Bluespotted Pufferfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata
Sascha Schulz © Sascha Schulz

Alternative Name/s

Blue-spotted Puffer, Bluespotted Pufferfish

Identification

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

Size range

The species grows to 18 cm in length.

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.

Omegophora cyanopunctata

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Bluespotted Toadfish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

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

Danger to humans and first aid

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

Classification

Species:
cyanopunctata
Genus:
Omegophora
Family:
Tetraodontidae
Order:
Tetraodontiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Sascha Schulz
Last Updated:

Tags Bluespotted Toadfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata, fish, ichthyology, Tetraondontidae, brown, purple, yellow, green, blue, white, 'normal fish', 10 cm - 30 cm, blotches/mottled, coastal reef, marine, adult,