Fin's Fish Guide
The Bandtail puffer (Sphoeroides spengleri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Santa Catarina (Brazil); associated with seagrass beds and reef flats.
Description
The bandtail puffer is a small pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 30 cm but usually around 12 cm. A row of 11 to 14 sharply defined round black spots runs along the underside of the head and body; the jaw teeth form a beak. Like all puffers it can inflate with water as a defence, and its flesh contains the toxic tetrodotoxin. It lives over seagrass beds and reef flats in the western Atlantic at depths of 2 to 70 m, feeding on molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and worms. The bandtail puffer is not eaten but is traded in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bandtail puffer?
The Bandtail puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small pufferfish with a row of 11-14 sharply defined round black spots along the underside; can inflate itself with water and contains tetrodotoxin. Please note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Bandtail puffer live?
The Bandtail puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Santa Catarina (Brazil); associated with seagrass beds and reef flats.
How big does the Bandtail puffer get?
The Bandtail puffer grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Bandtail puffer dangerous to humans?
The Bandtail puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the flesh may contain lethal tetrodotoxin. If poisoning is suspected (tingling, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty), call emergency services immediately.
Is the Bandtail puffer edible?
The Bandtail puffer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sphoeroides
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Bandtail puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bandtail puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.