PuffersTetraodontidae

Puffers (Tetraodontidae) are marine fish with robust, often rounded bodies and small fins. Their scaleless skin ranges from smooth to covered in small prickles. Species vary in size from 10 cm (4 in) to over 60 cm (24 in), with colour patterns ranging from plain grey or brown to intricate spots, lines, and blotches. The scientific name, Tetraodontidae, refers to their four strong teeth fused into upper and lower plates. Known commonly as puffers, they rapidly inflate their elastic stomachs with water when threatened, presenting a larger, more difficult-to-swallow form to predators.

These fish are commonly observed on coral reefs, rubble fields, and sandy bottoms, typically living in depths from 1 to 50 metres (3 to 165 ft). They use their strong fused teeth to crush the shells of crustaceans and molluscs, which are their primary prey. These are typically solitary, slow-moving fish, frequently encountered by divers across the 🌊 Red Sea.