Fin's Fish Guide
The Checkered puffer (Sphoeroides testudineus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 39 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, on shallow sand and silty bottoms, in seagrass, mangroves and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The checkered puffer is a stocky fish of the family Tetraodontidae (pufferfishes) reaching about 38 cm. The back bears a striking network of brown lines around paler spots, the belly is white and the mouth forms a parrot-like beak of fused teeth. When threatened the fish gulps water or air and inflates into a ball, too large for most predators. The species lives on shallow sand and mud bottoms, in seagrass, mangroves and estuaries along the western Atlantic coast and tolerates brackish water. With its beak it crushes shellfish, molluscs, snails and worms. The organs and skin contain highly toxic tetrodotoxin, so the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Checkered puffer?
The Checkered puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Stocky pufferfish with a network of brown lines on the back; can inflate itself and has a parrot-like beak.
Where does the Checkered puffer live?
The Checkered puffer lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, on shallow sand and silty bottoms, in seagrass, mangroves and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Checkered puffer get?
The Checkered puffer grows to a maximum of about 39 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Checkered puffer dangerous to humans?
The Checkered puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The organs and skin of pufferfish contain highly toxic tetrodotoxin; do not eat the fish and wash hands after handling.
Is the Checkered puffer edible?
The Checkered puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Checkered puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Checkered 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 Checkered puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Checkered puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.