Bluespotted Puffer, Arothron caeruleopunctatus (Matsuura, 1994)
Click to enlarge image
© Ákos Lumnitzer
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Arothron
- Species
- caeruleopunctatus
- Family
- Tetraodontidae
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 80 cm
Introduction
As its standard name would imply, the Bluespotted Puffer has blue spots on the body as well as rings around the eyes. This species is usually found in coral reef waters.
Identification
The Bluespotted Puffer can be recognised by its colouration. It is yellow or brown dorsally and pale below. There are numerous small dark-edged blue spots on the body and median fins. The eyes are surrounded by blue and brown rings.
Habitat
It is usually found in coral reef waters.
Distribution
This species occurs in coral reef waters of the Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is known from the Coral Sea, Queensland.
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.
References
- 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.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
