Fin's Fish Guide
Half-smooth golden pufferfish
The Half-smooth golden pufferfish (Lagocephalus spadiceus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 37 cm.
Description
The half-smooth golden pufferfish is a puffer from the Indo-West Pacific that has also reached the eastern Mediterranean via the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migrant). The species grows to about 43 cm and has a streamlined body with a greenish-brown back and silvery-white belly. Unlike most puffers this species proves non-toxic: tetrodotoxin is below the detection limit in muscle, skin and liver. It can inflate with water and eats crustaceans and molluscs. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Half-smooth golden pufferfish?
The Half-smooth golden pufferfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Can inflate itself; exceptionally NOT poisonous (tetrodotoxin below the detection limit)
Where does the Half-smooth golden pufferfish live?
The Half-smooth golden pufferfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Half-smooth golden pufferfish get?
The Half-smooth golden pufferfish grows to a maximum of about 37 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Half-smooth golden pufferfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Half-smooth golden pufferfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Half-smooth golden pufferfish edible?
Yes, the Half-smooth golden pufferfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Half-smooth golden pufferfish and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Half-smooth golden pufferfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Half-smooth golden pufferfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lagocephalus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Half-smooth golden pufferfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Half-smooth golden pufferfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.