Fin's Fish Guide
The Prickly puffer (Ephippion guttifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from West Africa to the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and in estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The prickly puffer is a robust pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 80 cm. Unlike the smooth puffers this species has an armoured back of bony plates and short prickles; the brown-yellow body bears pale spots. The mouth is a strong, beak-like structure of four tooth plates, with which the fish crushes shellfish and crabs; when threatened it can inflate with water. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic from West Africa to the Mediterranean and enters estuaries. Like most pufferfish it contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin in its organs and skin; it must absolutely not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Prickly puffer?
The Prickly puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Robust pufferfish with an armoured back of bony plates and spines, and a beak-like mouth; contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Prickly puffer live?
The Prickly puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from West Africa to the Mediterranean Sea, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and in estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Prickly puffer get?
The Prickly puffer grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Prickly puffer dangerous to humans?
The Prickly puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: organs and skin contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin, which is not destroyed by cooking. If ingested seek immediate medical help (no antidote).
Is the Prickly puffer edible?
The Prickly puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Prickly puffer and live in the same waters.
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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 Prickly puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Prickly puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.