Fin's Fish Guide
The Speckled puffer (Sphoeroides yergeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Speckled puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a spotted back and large, mobile eyes; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong, beak-like jaw it crushes shellfish, crabs and sea urchins. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Speckled puffer?
The Speckled puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Speckled puffer live?
The Speckled puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Belize, Colombia
How big does the Speckled puffer get?
The Speckled puffer grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Speckled puffer dangerous to humans?
The Speckled 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.
Is the Speckled puffer edible?
Yes, the Speckled puffer is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sphoeroides
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Speckled puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Speckled puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.