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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Poisonous to eat 🌡️ Tropical

Masked puffer

Arothron diadematus Rüppell, 1829
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Max Length
30 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
25.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Masked puffer (Arothron diadematus) 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 30 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Arothron diadematus
Authority
Rüppell, 1829
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
30 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
25.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Masked puffer is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Masked puffer is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated. Tropical Indian Ocean: Red Sea.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.4±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.03715 × L2.87 (TL)
Max TL
30cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
25.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Rüppell, 1829

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

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

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