Fin's Fish Guide
The Pygmy puffer (Sphoeroides trichocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The roughhead puffer is a puffer (Tetraodontidae) from the eastern Pacific Ocean. The species has a round, pear-shaped body and can inflate itself with water into a ball when threatened. It lives bottom-bound on soft bottoms of coastal waters. With its fused beak-like tooth plates it cracks shellfish, snails and crustaceans. Like many puffers it can contain the toxic tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pygmy puffer?
The Pygmy puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Inflates itself into a ball; crushes shellfish with beak plates, can contain tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Pygmy puffer live?
The Pygmy puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; soft bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Pygmy puffer get?
The Pygmy puffer grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Pygmy puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Pygmy puffer is harmless to humans. Do not eat: the organs and skin may contain the highly toxic tetrodotoxin, which can be fatal. Do not eat this fish. If ingested with poisoning symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Is the Pygmy puffer edible?
The Pygmy puffer is not usually 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 Pygmy puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pygmy puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.