Species · GBIF taxon 9285041
Green Spotted Puffer
Dichotomyctere nigroviridisAlso known as GSP, Spotted Green Puffer, Burmese Pufferfish
Green spotted puffers are highly active, curious predators that navigate brackish estuaries using helicopter-like pectoral fin movements. They possess a fused, beak-like jaw designed to crush the hard shells of snails, crabs, and other invertebrates. When threatened, they inflate their bodies with water or air, transforming into a prickly, unswallowable ball to deter predators.
BrackishIntelligentCarnivorous
Licensed referenceMattia Nocciola / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Snails
- Crabs
- Shrimp
Predators
- Large predatory fish
- Wading birds
- Sea snakes
ThreatsHabitat degradation, pollution, and overcollection for the aquarium trade
HabitatsBrackish estuaries, coastal rivers, and mangrove swamps
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTetraodontidae
- SpeciesDichotomyctere nigroviridis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Tissues contain lethal tetrodotoxin and their sharp beak can bite; never ingest and avoid handling directly.
- Why it is dangerous
- Tissues contain tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that is lethal if ingested, and their fused teeth can deliver a painful bite.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a bright green back covered in dark spots, a white belly, and a round, expressive face.
- What to do
- Never touch or handle without thick protective gloves, and never consume under any circumstances.
Responsible observation
- Observe Feeding: Watch them hunt snails to see how they use their powerful beak to crush shells.
- Recognize Curiosity: Look for their expressive eyes tracking movement outside the glass or in the water.
- Avoid Provocation: Never intentionally scare them into inflating, as this causes extreme stress.
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