Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown-lined puffer (Canthigaster rivulata) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The brown-lined toby is a sharpnose puffer from the Indo-West Pacific and the Mediterranean Sea, which it has entered via the Suez Canal. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a light brown body with a network of brown, winding lines on the back. It lives on rocky and sandy bottoms into deeper coastal water and eats small bottom invertebrates. Like all puffers its body contains the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown-lined puffer?
The Brown-lined puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Network of winding brown lines; the body contains deadly tetrodotoxin
Where does the Brown-lined puffer live?
The Brown-lined puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Brown-lined puffer get?
The Brown-lined puffer grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Brown-lined puffer dangerous to humans?
The Brown-lined puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the body contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly nerve poison with no antidote. Poisoning causes tingling, paralysis and breathing failure. If swallowed, call emergency services immediately and support breathing until medical help arrives.
Is the Brown-lined puffer edible?
The Brown-lined puffer 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 Canthigaster
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown-lined puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown-lined puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.