Fin's Fish Guide
The Longnose puffer (Sphoeroides lobatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Eastern Pacific; bays, estuaries and shallow coastal areas from Southern California to central Chile.
Description
The longnose puffer is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, light-brown body with dark spots and small skin lobes, and the beak-like jaw plates characteristic of puffers. It is commonly caught in bays, estuaries and shallow coastal areas. With its powerful beak it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crabs and sea urchins. Like other puffers it can inflate itself, and its skin and organs can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longnose puffer?
The Longnose puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small skin lobes and a powerful beak; can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Longnose puffer live?
The Longnose puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; bays, estuaries and shallow coastal areas from Southern California to central Chile.
How big does the Longnose puffer get?
The Longnose puffer grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Longnose puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Longnose puffer is harmless to humans. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Longnose puffer edible?
The Longnose puffer is not usually eaten.
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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 Longnose puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longnose puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.