Fin's Fish Guide
The Milkspotted puffer (Chelonodon patoca) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Indo-Pacific, in coastal waters, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers and lagoons, from East Africa to northern Australia and China.
Description
The milkspotted puffer is a pufferfish (family Tetraodontidae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 38 cm and has a stocky, green-brown body covered with white, milky spots and small prickles; instead of separate teeth it has a beak of fused teeth. It lives in coastal waters, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers and lagoons, and tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water. Its diet consists of molluscs, crustaceans, worms and algae. Like other pufferfish it can inflate itself and the body contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin; it is therefore poisonous to eat.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Milkspotted puffer?
The Milkspotted puffer has an irregular in shape body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Can inflate itself; body with white blotches and small spines; contains tetrodotoxin; tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water.
Where does the Milkspotted puffer live?
The Milkspotted puffer lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific, in coastal waters, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers and lagoons, from East Africa to northern Australia and China.
How big does the Milkspotted puffer get?
The Milkspotted puffer grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Milkspotted puffer dangerous to humans?
The Milkspotted puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the flesh, skin and organs contain tetrodotoxin. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis, breathing difficulty) call emergency services immediately and keep the person calm and still until help arrives.
Is the Milkspotted puffer edible?
The Milkspotted puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Milkspotted puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Milkspotted puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chelonodon
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Milkspotted puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Milkspotted puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.