ANIMAL SPECIES:Map Pufferfish, Arothron mappa (Linnaeus, 1758)
The Map Pufferfish lives on coral reefs. The gill opening and pectoral fin base are both surrounded by a large black botch and black lines radiate from the eye.
Identification
The Map Pufferfish is yellowish-grey dorsally, white ventrally and covered with an intricate pattern of dark lines. The gill opening and pectoral fin base are both surrounded by a large black botch and black lines radiate from the eye.
Size range
The species grows to 60 cm in length.Distribution
It has an Indo-West Pacific distribution.
In Australia it is known from north-western Western Australia and from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Map pufferfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection
Habitat
The Map Pufferfish lives on coral reefs.
Classification
- Species:
- mappa
- 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.
- 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.
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A Map Pufferfish, Arothron mappa, at Yongala Wreck View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Map Pufferfish, Arothron mappa at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
A Map Pufferfish being cleaned by Axilspot Hogfish View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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