Fin's Fish Guide
The Naked puffer (Sphoeroides lispus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Eastern Pacific; bays and sandy bottoms from the Gulf of California to central Baja California.
Description
The naked puffer is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a stocky body with a smooth, nearly spineless skin and the beak-like fused jaw plates characteristic of puffers. Adults live in bays and over sandy bottoms; juveniles often in more open water. With its powerful beak it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs and crustaceans. 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 Naked puffer?
The Naked puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Smooth, almost spineless skin and a powerful beak; can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Naked puffer live?
The Naked puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; bays and sandy bottoms from the Gulf of California to central Baja California.
How big does the Naked puffer get?
The Naked puffer grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Naked puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Naked 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 Naked puffer edible?
The Naked 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 Naked puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Naked puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.