Fin's Fish Guide
The Bullseye puffer (Sphoeroides annulatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 44 cm.
Eastern Pacific along the coast of Central and western South America, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The bullseye puffer is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 44 cm. The brown body bears on its back a pattern of concentric dark rings around a central spot, like a target - hence the name. The beak-like mouth consists of four fused tooth plates with which the fish crushes shellfish, crabs, snails and crustaceans. When threatened it pumps itself up with water into a ball. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the coast of Central and western South America and tolerates brackish water. Like other puffers its skin and organs may contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; it should not be casually eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bullseye puffer?
The Bullseye puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Pufferfish with concentric dark rings around the back and beak-like teeth; inflates itself with water when in danger.
Where does the Bullseye puffer live?
The Bullseye puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific along the coast of Central and western South America, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Bullseye puffer get?
The Bullseye puffer grows to a maximum of about 44 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Bullseye puffer dangerous to humans?
The Bullseye puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The skin and organs may contain the nerve poison tetrodotoxin: this fish should not be eaten.
Is the Bullseye puffer edible?
The Bullseye puffer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sphoeroides
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Bullseye puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bullseye puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.