Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpnose puffer (Canthigaster rostrata) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean, on coral and rocky reefs and in seagrass of shallow water.
Description
The sharpnose puffer is a small puffer of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 12 cm. Unlike most puffers the body is deep and laterally compressed, with a pointed snout; the back is yellow-brown with fine blue lines and spots around the eyes. When threatened the fish can inflate with water. The mouth forms a beak of fused teeth with which it bites off sponges, sea stars, snails, worms, crustaceans and algae. The species lives on coral and rock reefs and in seagrass of shallow water in the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. Like other puffers it may contain toxic tetrodotoxin and is not eaten; it is popular in the marine aquarium, however.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharpnose puffer?
The Sharpnose puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, sharp-snouted pufferfish with a deep, laterally flattened body, blue lines around the eyes and a yellow-brown back; can inflate itself.
Where does the Sharpnose puffer live?
The Sharpnose puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean, on coral and rocky reefs and in seagrass of shallow water.
How big does the Sharpnose puffer get?
The Sharpnose puffer grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Sharpnose puffer dangerous to humans?
The Sharpnose puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The organs and skin of pufferfish contain highly toxic tetrodotoxin; do not eat the fish and wash hands after handling.
Is the Sharpnose puffer edible?
The Sharpnose 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 Canthigaster
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Sharpnose puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpnose puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.