Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-lined pufferfish (Arothron stellatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The starry puffer is a large pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has a globular, light-grey body densely studded with numerous small black dots, like a starry sky, to which the name refers; juveniles have a different, banded pattern. It is relatively uncommon on patch reefs and coral slopes near sandy areas. With its beak-like fused jaw plates it crushes hard-shelled prey such as corals, molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins. Like other puffers it can inflate itself, and its skin and organs contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-lined pufferfish?
The Black-lined pufferfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Light grey body strewn with black spots like a starry sky; can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Black-lined pufferfish live?
The Black-lined pufferfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; patch reefs and coral slopes near sandy areas.
How big does the Black-lined pufferfish get?
The Black-lined pufferfish grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 54 cm.
Is the Black-lined pufferfish dangerous to humans?
The Black-lined pufferfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. 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 Black-lined pufferfish edible?
The Black-lined pufferfish 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 Arothron
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-lined pufferfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-lined pufferfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.