Fin's Fish Guide
The Map puffer (Arothron mappa) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 65 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and others
Description
The map puffer is a large pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 65 cm and has a stocky body with a pattern of dark, map-line-like stripes radiating from the eyes. When threatened it gulps water and inflates. As a reef-dweller it crushes molluscs, crustaceans, coral and sponges with strong jaws. Its skin and organs contain the potent toxin tetrodotoxin; eating it is life-threatening.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Map puffer?
The Map puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a flame-patterned pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Map puffer live?
The Map puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and others
How big does the Map puffer get?
The Map puffer grows to a maximum of about 65 cm.
Is the Map puffer dangerous to humans?
The Map puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: skin, viscera and gonads contain tetrodotoxin, a potent nerve poison with no antidote. If ingested with symptoms (tingling, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty): call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Map puffer edible?
The Map puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Map puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Map puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.