Fin's Fish Guide
The Wheeler's puffer (Lagocephalus wheeleri) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Wheeler's puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal and open water of the northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body with a white belly and a strong, beak-like jaw; when threatened it inflates with water. As a predator it snaps at shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. Its skin and organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Wheeler's puffer?
The Wheeler's puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Wheeler's puffer live?
The Wheeler's puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (South)
How big does the Wheeler's puffer get?
The Wheeler's puffer grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Wheeler's puffer dangerous to humans?
The Wheeler's puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish carries the powerful nerve poison tetrodotoxin in its skin and organs, 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 Lagocephalus
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Wheeler's puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wheeler's puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.