Fin's Fish Guide
The Bennetti's sharpnose puffer (Canthigaster bennetti) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
Bennett's sharpnose puffer is a small sharpnose puffer of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a yellow-brown body with fine blue lines and dots and a pointed snout. It inhabits inner reef flats and sheltered lagoons and is a common inshore species. As an omnivore it nibbles algae, small invertebrates, tunicates and growth. Like other puffers it can inflate itself, and its skin and organs can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer?
The Bennetti's sharpnose puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Yellow-brown with fine blue lines; can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer live?
The Bennetti's sharpnose puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; inner reef flats and sheltered lagoons.
How big does the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer get?
The Bennetti's sharpnose puffer grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer is harmless to humans. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer edible?
The Bennetti's sharpnose puffer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Canthigaster
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bennetti's sharpnose puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.