Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotflank puffer (Chelonodon pleurospilus) is a fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Spotflank puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from shallow coastal, brackish and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a stocky, scaleless body with a brown to olive pattern of spots and a pale belly; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes molluscs and crustaceans. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotflank puffer?
The Spotflank puffer is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Spotflank puffer live?
The Spotflank puffer is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Spotflank puffer get?
The Spotflank puffer grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Spotflank puffer dangerous to humans?
The Spotflank 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 Chelonodon
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotflank puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotflank puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.