Fin's Fish Guide
The Brownback puffer (Lagocephalus gloveri) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The Brownback puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal and open water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body with a white belly and a strong, beak-like jaw; when threatened it inflates with water. As a predator it snaps at shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. Its skin and organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brownback puffer?
The Brownback puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Brownback puffer live?
The Brownback puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (South)
How big does the Brownback puffer get?
The Brownback puffer grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Brownback puffer dangerous to humans?
The Brownback puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish carries the powerful nerve poison tetrodotoxin in its skin and organs, with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
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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 Brownback puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brownback puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.