Fin's Fish Guide
The Blowfish (Lagocephalus lunaris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; sandy bottoms and coastal reefs, sometimes estuaries.
Description
The lunartail puffer is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a streamlined body with a greenish to grey back, a white belly and a conspicuously crescent-shaped tail. It is mainly marine but occasionally enters estuaries, and lives over sandy bottoms and often on coastal reefs. As a predator it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. Like other puffers it can inflate itself, and its skin, organs and flesh can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blowfish?
The Blowfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Crescent-shaped tail; can inflate itself and contains deadly tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Blowfish live?
The Blowfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; sandy bottoms and coastal reefs, sometimes estuaries.
How big does the Blowfish get?
The Blowfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Blowfish dangerous to humans?
The Blowfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The skin, organs and 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 Blowfish edible?
The Blowfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lagocephalus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Blowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.