Fin's Fish Guide
The Marbled puffer (Sphoeroides dorsalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The marbled puffer (Sphoeroides dorsalis) is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a stocky body with a marbled, brownish pattern on the back and reaches about 20 cm. It lives over soft bottoms of the continental shelf. Like other puffers it can inflate when threatened and its tissue contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin. Although puffers are eaten in some areas after careful preparation, consumption without proper knowledge is life-threatening. With its powerful incisor teeth the fish crushes crustaceans and mollusks.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled puffer?
The Marbled puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Marbled pattern; inflates itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Marbled puffer live?
The Marbled puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Soft bottoms of the continental shelf in the western Atlantic.
How big does the Marbled puffer get?
The Marbled puffer grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Marbled puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Marbled puffer is harmless to humans. The tissue contains tetrodotoxin, a potent and potentially deadly poison; do not eat this fish without expert preparation. In case of symptoms after consumption such as tingling around the mouth, paralysis or breathing difficulty, call emergency services immediately.
Is the Marbled puffer edible?
The Marbled puffer is rarely 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 Marbled puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.