Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded puffer (Colomesus psittacus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 29 cm.
Description
Colomesus psittacus is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from northern South America. The species has a stocky, disc-shaped body with dark cross-bands over the back and reaches about 29 cm. It lives in shallow coastal waters on soft bottoms and frequently occurs in fresh water, making it euryhaline. When threatened the fish inflates like a balloon to deter predators. It is a carnivore feeding mainly on mollusks, which it crushes with its powerful teeth. The species is marketed locally, although its commercial importance is small.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded puffer?
The Banded puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Inflates into a ball when threatened; powerful cutting teeth to crush molluscs.
Where does the Banded puffer live?
The Banded puffer lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Coastal waters and rivers of northern South America.
How big does the Banded puffer get?
The Banded puffer grows to a maximum of about 29 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Banded puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded puffer is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Banded puffer edible?
Yes, the Banded puffer is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Colomesus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.