Stars-and-Stripes Puffer
Arothron hispidusAlso known as White-spotted Puffer, Broad-barred Toadfish, Bristly Pufferfish, White-spotted Balloonfish
Stars-and-stripes puffers navigate shallow reefs and lagoons with a slow, hovering flight powered by their pectoral fins. When threatened, they inflate their bodies with water to double their size, presenting a daunting, prickly sphere to would-be predators. Their powerful, beak-like teeth easily crush hard-shelled invertebrates, making them vital regulators of reef-dwelling crab and mollusk populations.
- diet
- Carnivorous (mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, sea urchins, and algae)
- family
- Tetraodontidae
- threats
- Habitat degradation, aquarium trade harvesting, and marine pollution
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years
LC
Contains lethal tetrodotoxin if eaten and can deliver a painful bite; do not touch or handle.
Carries tetrodotoxin, an extremely potent neurotoxin that is lethal to humans and pets if ingested, and possesses a powerful beak capable of crushing fingers.
Never attempt to touch, catch, or handle this fish; maintain a respectful distance of at least two meters while diving or snorkeling.- Maintain Distance: Give these slow-moving fish plenty of space so they do not feel cornered and resort to inflating.
- Watch the Eyes: Observe their highly mobile eyes, which rotate independently to scan the reef for food and threats.
- Avoid Feeding: Do not offer food, as this alters their natural foraging behavior and can lead to accidental bites.