Blackspotted Puffer Identification Guide
Recognize this reef puffer by its pale body scattered with a handful of large, well-spaced black spots.
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Key identification features
- Rounded, moderately sized puffer reaching about 30 cm (12 in)
- Pale gray, blue-gray, or yellowish body color that can shift with mood and habitat
- Scattered, relatively large black spots spread widely over the body, distinctly fewer and bigger than in similar species
- Black rings encircling each eye
- Black-tipped or dark-edged lips in many individuals
- Large eyes and a blunt, rounded snout typical of pufferfish
Common look-alikes
- Guineafowl pufferfish (Arothron meleagris): covered in numerous small, densely packed white spots on a dark body, the reverse pattern of the Blackspotted's few large dark spots on pale skin.
- Star puffer (Arothron stellatus): much larger overall with fine star-like spotting rather than bold, widely spaced blotches.
Where you'll see one
Common throughout Indo-Pacific coral reefs and lagoons, often seen resting on sand patches, rubble, or near coral outcrops during the day while foraging for sponges and invertebrates. It tolerates a wide range of depths, from shallow reef flats to deeper outer slopes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognize a Blackspotted Puffer at a glance?
Look for a pale gray or yellowish body with just a handful of large, widely spaced black spots and black rings around the eyes.
How is it different from a Guineafowl Pufferfish?
The Blackspotted Puffer has few large dark spots on a pale body, while the Guineafowl Pufferfish has many tiny white spots covering a dark body.