Fin's Fish Guide
The Common puffer (Dichotomyctere fluviatilis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The green pufferfish is a puffer (Tetraodontidae) from South Asia. The species has a round, green-yellow body with dark round spots on the back and a white belly. When threatened it inflates itself with water into a ball. Adults live mainly in slow-moving rivers, estuaries and the upper reaches of backwaters, in brackish to fresh water. With its beak-like tooth plates it cracks snails and shellfish. Like all puffers it can contain the toxic tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common puffer?
The Common puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Inflates itself into a ball; crushes snails with beak plates, can contain tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Common puffer live?
The Common puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South Asia; slow-flowing rivers and estuaries.
How big does the Common puffer get?
The Common puffer grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Common puffer dangerous to humans?
The Common puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the organs and skin may contain the highly toxic tetrodotoxin, which can be fatal. Do not eat this fish. If ingested with poisoning symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Is the Common puffer edible?
The Common puffer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Tetraodontidae
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