Fin's Fish Guide
The Shortfin puffer (Torquigener brevipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Asia: Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and others
Description
The shortfin puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a stocky, scaleless, sandy body with dark spots and bars; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes molluscs and crustaceans on sand and tidal flats. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shortfin puffer?
The Shortfin 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 Shortfin puffer live?
The Shortfin puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and others
How big does the Shortfin puffer get?
The Shortfin puffer grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Shortfin puffer dangerous to humans?
The Shortfin 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Torquigener
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Shortfin puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shortfin puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.