Fin's Fish Guide
The Ocellated pufferfish (Leiodon cutcutia) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The ocellated pufferfish is a freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh and brackish water of South Asia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, greenish body with a conspicuous eyespot on the flank and large, mobile eyes; when threatened it inflates with water. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes snails, crustaceans and insect larvae. Its tissues contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ocellated pufferfish?
The Ocellated pufferfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Ocellated pufferfish live?
The Ocellated pufferfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Laos, Nepal and others
How big does the Ocellated pufferfish get?
The Ocellated pufferfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Ocellated pufferfish dangerous to humans?
The Ocellated pufferfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish carries the powerful nerve poison tetrodotoxin in its skin and organs, with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Ocellated pufferfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ocellated pufferfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.