Fin's Fish Guide
The Caribbean puffer (Sphoeroides greeleyi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
Greeley's puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species is small and has a round, scaleless body with a beak-like dentition; when threatened it can inflate itself with water. It lives over soft bottoms, usually with vegetation such as seagrass (Thalassia testudinum), and prefers turbid water of estuaries and lagoons. It feeds on benthic invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans. Like other puffers it contains the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Caribbean puffer?
The Caribbean puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Can inflate itself; contains tetrodotoxin in the organs and skin; inhabits turbid seagrass. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Caribbean puffer live?
The Caribbean puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic; soft vegetated bottoms of estuaries and lagoons.
How big does the Caribbean puffer get?
The Caribbean puffer grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the Caribbean puffer dangerous to humans?
The Caribbean puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat this fish: the organs, skin and often the flesh contain the strong nerve toxin tetrodotoxin, which is not destroyed by cooking. If eaten and tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty occur, call emergency services immediately.
Is the Caribbean puffer edible?
The Caribbean puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Caribbean puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Caribbean puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Caribbean puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Caribbean puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.