Arothron hispidus (White-spotted pufferfish)

Identification

Heavy body, yellowish brown with white spots, white rings around the eyes and the black patch on the pectoral fin base.

Status

Common.

Habitat

Indo-Pacific. Red Sea and East Africa to Micronesia, Hawaii, French Polynesia and Panama, Japan to Australia. It lives on mixed coral, sand, rubble and weed bottoms in a depth of 1-50 meters. Juveniles can usually be found in weedy areas near estuaries.

Reproduction

Size

Up to 50cm.

Prey / Predation

It feeds on algae, sponges, molluscs, tunicates, coral, anemones, crabs, worms and echinoderms.

Special features

Poisonous to eat.