Fin's Fish Guide
The Oceanic puffer (Lagocephalus lagocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Open water of warm and temperate seas worldwide, straying into the northeast Atlantic (as far as the British Isles) and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The oceanic puffer is a streamlined, pelagic pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 61 cm - far slimmer and faster than most bottom-dwelling puffers. The back is dark steel-blue, the belly white; the tail is crescent-shaped. The beak-like mouth consists of four fused tooth plates with which the fish crushes squid, crustaceans and small fish. The species lives in open water of warm and temperate seas worldwide and sometimes wanders far north, to the British Isles and into the Mediterranean. Like other puffers it can inflate itself, and its organs and flesh contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; it must therefore not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Oceanic puffer?
The Oceanic puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Streamlined, pelagic pufferfish with a dark blue back and white belly; a beak-like mouth and highly poisonous flesh (tetrodotoxin).
Where does the Oceanic puffer live?
The Oceanic puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Open water of warm and temperate seas worldwide, straying into the northeast Atlantic (as far as the British Isles) and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Oceanic puffer get?
The Oceanic puffer grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.
Is the Oceanic puffer dangerous to humans?
The Oceanic puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The internal organs and flesh contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin: this fish must NOT be eaten. In case of suspected poisoning (tingling, paralysis) seek medical help immediately.
Is the Oceanic puffer edible?
The Oceanic puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Oceanic puffer and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lagocephalus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Oceanic puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Oceanic puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.