Bellystriped blaasop
📖 Overview
Bellystriped blaasop (Arothron inconditus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Tetraodontidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 40 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. Color dark, belly pale; dark lines from above anal fin to chin; anus, pectoral base and gill opening in rounded black areas, and a black bar each side of angle of mouth along lower lip; fins dusky .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bellystriped blaasop is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Subtropical Southeast Atlantic: Knysna to East London (South Africa).
🌿 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
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Bellystriped blaasop ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data?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.