Blackspotted puffer
Arothron nigropunctatus
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
| Diet | Algae, crustaceans, mollusks, corals, sponges, tunicates |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 13 inches (33 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | Indian, West-Central Pacific Oceans |
| Habitat | Coastal outer reefs and slopes |
About the Blackspotted puffer
The blackspotted puffer is native to Indo-Pacific regions and can be found munching on a mix of foods including squid, krill, clams, algae and hard-shelled shrimp that help wear down their constantly growing teeth.
Did you know?
This fish is also known as the dog-faced puffer and it's easy to see why!
While their body color ranges from gray to yellow, blackspotted puffers always have the large splattering of black spots that gives them their name.
This type of puffer has poison (tetradotoxin) in their skin that is very harmful to potential predators.
- Some scientists believe that one day the toxin in a puffer’s skin could have medical use as an anesthetic.