Whitespotted Puffer

The Whitespotted Puffer (Arothron hispidus) is a marine fish known for its distinctive appearance and widespread presence in various coastal habitats. It thrives in both saltwater and brackish environments, often associated with reefs, and typically resides at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters (about 3.3 to 164 feet). The Whitespotted Puffer can grow up to 50 centimeters (approximately 20 inches) in length and can weigh as much as 2 kilograms (around 4.4 pounds).

This species is distinguished by its greenish-brown body covered in numerous white spots, particularly on its back, sides, and caudal fin. Its belly features white bars, and it has a unique bent lateral line. The body is armored with small spines, except around the snout and caudal peduncle, and each nostril sports two fleshy, solid tentacles. Its gill openings are notably restricted. The dorsal and anal fins are composed of 10 to 11 soft rays, and the fish lacks dorsal and anal spines.

The Whitespotted Puffer is benthopelagic, meaning it typically lives near the sea floor but can also be found in the water column. It inhabits a variety of environments from outer reef slopes and lagoon flats to coastal bays and estuaries. Juveniles are frequently seen in weedy estuarine areas. The species prefers areas near rocky reefs or sandy stretches between reefs, often with low algae-rubble or sparse seagrass growth.

Solitary and territorial, the Whitespotted Puffer primarily feeds on a diverse diet including algae, detritus, molluscs, tunicates, sponges, corals, anemones, crabs, tube worms, and echinoderms. This fish is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, but is known to be poisonous if consumed.

Geographically, the Whitespotted Puffer is found across the Indo-Pacific region, from the 🌊 Red Sea and East Africa to Southern 🇯🇵 Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, extending southward to Lord Howe and Rapa islands. In the Eastern Pacific, its range includes Baja 🇺🇸 California and the Gulf of 🇺🇸 California down to 🇵🇦 Panama.