Fin's Fish Guide
Black-blotched turretfish
The Black-blotched turretfish (Tetrosomus gibbosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; shallow coastal waters with soft bottoms and seagrass beds.
Description
The humpback turretfish is a boxfish (Ostraciidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a triangular body fused by bony plates into a rigid armour, with a high, keeled back bearing spiny points. It inhabits shallow coastal waters with soft, muddy bottoms and seagrass beds, usually at about 2 to 110 metres depth. It feeds on small bottom invertebrates. When stressed it secretes through the skin a toxin (ostracitoxin) that is poisonous to other animals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-blotched turretfish?
The Black-blotched turretfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Triangular bony armour with a keeled back; secretes a skin toxin (ostracitoxin) when stressed.
Where does the Black-blotched turretfish live?
The Black-blotched turretfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; shallow coastal waters with soft bottoms and seagrass beds.
How big does the Black-blotched turretfish get?
The Black-blotched turretfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Black-blotched turretfish dangerous to humans?
The Black-blotched turretfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat and handle with care: when stressed this fish secretes a toxin (ostracitoxin) through the skin. Wash your hands after contact and seek medical care for symptoms or after ingestion.
Is the Black-blotched turretfish edible?
The Black-blotched turretfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tetrosomus
More from the family Ostraciidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-blotched turretfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-blotched turretfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.