Fin's Fish Guide
The Puffer (Sphoeroides nephelus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The southern puffer is a pufferfish (family Tetraodontidae) of the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 30 cm and has a stocky, brown body with dark spots and, instead of separate teeth, a beak of fused teeth. It inhabits bays, estuaries and protected coastal waters and feeds mainly on shellfish and molluscs, and sometimes small fishes. Like other pufferfish it can inflate itself and the body contains tetrodotoxin, making it poisonous to eat. It is otherwise harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Puffer?
The Puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin; feeds mainly on crustaceans.
Where does the Puffer live?
The Puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, in bays, estuaries and sheltered coastal waters.
How big does the Puffer get?
The Puffer grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Puffer is harmless to humans. Do not eat: the flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis, breathing difficulty) call emergency services immediately and keep the person calm and still until help arrives.
Is the Puffer edible?
The 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 Puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.