Fin's Fish Guide
The Broad barred puffer (Arothron hispidus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The white-spotted puffer (Arothron hispidus) is a large pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The species has a stocky, grey-brown body studded with white spots and concentric lines around the pectoral-fin base, and reaches about 50 cm. It inhabits outer reef slopes to at least 50 metres deep, inner reef flats and lagoons; juveniles occur in weedy estuaries. With its powerful tooth plates it crushes mollusks, crustaceans, coral and sponges. Like other puffers it can inflate and its tissue contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin; consumption without expert preparation is life-threatening.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Broad barred puffer?
The Broad barred puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Grey-brown with white spots and concentric lines; inflates itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Broad barred puffer live?
The Broad barred puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Coral reefs and lagoons of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
How big does the Broad barred puffer get?
The Broad barred puffer grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Broad barred puffer dangerous to humans?
The Broad barred puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The tissue contains tetrodotoxin, a potent and potentially deadly poison; do not eat this fish without expert preparation. In case of symptoms after consumption such as tingling around the mouth, paralysis or breathing difficulty, call emergency services immediately.
Is the Broad barred puffer edible?
The Broad barred puffer is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Broad barred puffer and live in the same waters.
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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 Broad barred puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Broad barred puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.