Fin's Fish Guide
The Guineafowl blaasop (Arothron meleagris) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The guineafowl puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a round, scaleless body that is usually black and covered with numerous white spots, like the plumage of a guineafowl; an entirely yellow colour form also exists. It lives solitarily in coral-rich, clear lagoons and on seaward reefs. With its powerful, beak-like jaws it nibbles mainly at the tips of branching corals, supplemented with sponges. When threatened it can inflate itself with water. The flesh and organs contain the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guineafowl blaasop?
The Guineafowl blaasop has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern. Guineafowl pattern of white spots; beaked jaws nibble coral; the flesh contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Guineafowl blaasop live?
The Guineafowl blaasop lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs.
How big does the Guineafowl blaasop get?
The Guineafowl blaasop grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Guineafowl blaasop dangerous to humans?
The Guineafowl blaasop 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 Guineafowl blaasop edible?
The Guineafowl blaasop is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arothron
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Guineafowl blaasop?
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