Blue-spotted puffer
📖 Overview
Blue-spotted puffer (Arothron caeruleopunctatus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Tetraodontidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 80 cm. It occurs at depths between 2 and 50 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blue-spotted puffer is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 50 m . Tropical West Pacific: Reunion and Maldives, eastward through Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the Coral Sea, and northward to Japan.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blue-spotted puffer is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 98 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blue-spotted puffer has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Blue-spotted puffer ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.