Fin's Fish Guide
The Narrow-headed puffer (Sphoeroides angusticeps) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The narrow-headed puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off Central and South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a narrow head and a spotted back. When threatened it gulps water and inflates. As a bottom-oriented predator it crushes molluscs and crustaceans. Its skin and organs can contain the potent toxin tetrodotoxin; eating it is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Narrow-headed puffer?
The Narrow-headed puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Narrow-headed puffer live?
The Narrow-headed puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Galapagos Is.
How big does the Narrow-headed puffer get?
The Narrow-headed puffer grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Narrow-headed puffer dangerous to humans?
The Narrow-headed 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 Narrow-headed puffer edible?
The Narrow-headed 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 Sphoeroides
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Narrow-headed puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Narrow-headed puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.