Jeffords, Jeffrey
Identification
Arothron nigropunctatus (Black spotted blow fish)
Location
Luzon Island, Philippines
Caption
This Black-spotted puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus) is very common sight on Indo-Pacific reefs. This one is on the move, but these gentle, solitary fish may often be seen resting in a sponge or among coral branches. As with the other types of nearly 90 species of pufferfish, they inflate themselves by gulping down water when disturbed. Unlike the thick-skinned porcupinefish (also of family Tetradontidae, "fused teeth"), the Black-spotted puffer has relatively thin skin and small, short spines. This one is about seven inches in length. This species may vary from a gray base color to yellow. Pufferfish are also known as "blowfish" or "globefish".
- Subject
- Live Animal
- Type
- Photo
- Life Stages And Gender
- Adult/Sexually Mature
- Anatomy
- Coloration/Patterning :: Disruptive Coloration (Spots/Stripes)
- Behaviors
- Locomotion :: Swimming
Contributors
Jeffrey N. Jeffords (photographer; copyright holder; identification)
Conditions of Use
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