Fin's Fish Guide
The Starry toadfish (Arothron firmamentum) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Asia: Argentina, Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South) and others
Description
The starry toadfish is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal and slope waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a stocky, dark body densely covered with small white spots, like a starry sky. When threatened it gulps water and inflates. As a bottom-oriented predator it crushes molluscs and crustaceans with strong jaws. Its skin and organs can contain the potent toxin tetrodotoxin; eating it is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Starry toadfish?
The Starry toadfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Starry toadfish live?
The Starry toadfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Argentina, Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South) and others
How big does the Starry toadfish get?
The Starry toadfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Starry toadfish dangerous to humans?
The Starry toadfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: skin, viscera and gonads contain tetrodotoxin, a potent nerve poison with no antidote. If ingested with symptoms (tingling, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty): call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Starry toadfish edible?
The Starry toadfish 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 Arothron
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Starry toadfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Starry toadfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.