Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth puffer (Lagocephalus laevigatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides, in the east along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal waters.
Description
The smooth puffer is a large pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae reaching about 1 metre. The body is smooth (without the prickles of many relatives) and silver-green above, white below; the mouth is a strong, beak-like structure of four tooth plates, with which the fish crushes shellfish and crabs. When threatened it can swallow water and inflate into a ball. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of the Atlantic on both sides, in the east along the West African coast. Like many 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 Smooth puffer?
The Smooth puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large pufferfish with a smooth body and a beak-like mouth formed from four tooth plates; can inflate itself with water and contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Smooth puffer live?
The Smooth puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Atlantic Ocean on both sides, in the east along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Smooth puffer get?
The Smooth puffer grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Smooth puffer dangerous to humans?
The Smooth puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the organs and skin contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin, which is not destroyed by cooking. If ingested seek immediate medical help (no antidote).
Is the Smooth puffer edible?
The Smooth 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 Lagocephalus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.