Fin's Fish Guide
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer (Canthigaster capistrata) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and along Northwest Africa, on shallow rocky coasts.
Description
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer is a small pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 9 cm. The stout body has a pointed snout with beak-like tooth plates and is brownish with blue lines and spots. Like other puffers it can inflate with water into a ball when threatened. It lives on shallow rocky shores of the eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands, such as the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries, and along north-western Africa. As an omnivore it nibbles shellfish, worms, small invertebrates and algae. Its skin and organs contain the very strong toxin tetrodotoxin, making the fish deadly poisonous to eat, although it is harmless to touch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Macaronesian sharpnose puffer?
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small pufferfish with a pointed snout and beak-shaped tooth plates; can inflate itself with water and contains the strong poison tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Macaronesian sharpnose puffer live?
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and along Northwest Africa, on shallow rocky coasts.
How big does the Macaronesian sharpnose puffer get?
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Macaronesian sharpnose puffer dangerous to humans?
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Harmless to touch, but the skin and organs contain the very strong toxin tetrodotoxin; never eat this fish, as poisoning can be fatal. In case of ingestion seek medical help immediately.
Is the Macaronesian sharpnose puffer edible?
The Macaronesian sharpnose puffer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Canthigaster
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Macaronesian sharpnose puffer?
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