Fin's Fish Guide
The Peruvian puffer (Sphoeroides sechurae) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 17 cm.
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Description
The Peruvian puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific off Peru. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a spotted back and large, mobile eyes; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong, beak-like jaw it crushes shellfish, crabs and sea urchins. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Peruvian puffer?
The Peruvian puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Peruvian puffer live?
The Peruvian puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
How big does the Peruvian puffer get?
The Peruvian puffer grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Peruvian puffer dangerous to humans?
The Peruvian puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve poison 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.
Is the Peruvian puffer edible?
Yes, the Peruvian puffer is commonly 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 Peruvian puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Peruvian puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.