Guineafowl puffer
📖 Overview
Occurs in coral-rich areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs, Ref. 48637. Prefers oceanic localities . Solitary . Benthopelagic . Feeds mainly on tips of branching corals and to a lesser extent on sponges, mollusks, bryozoans, tunicates, forams, algae, and detritus.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Body covered with prickles . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Guineafowl puffer is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 73 m . Tropical; 30°N - 32°S East Africa south to Durban, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
tips of branching corals and to a lesser extent on sponges, mollusks, bryozoans, tunicates, forams,
📐 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
"Guineafowl 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) | 113 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Guineafowl 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arothron erethizon | Jordan & Gilbert | 1883 | Synonym |
| Arothron meleagridis | Anonymous | 1798 | Synonym |
| Arothron ophryas | Cope | 1871 | Synonym |
| Arothron setosus | Smith | 1886 | Synonym |
| Ovoides latifrons | Jenkins | 1901 | Synonym |
| Tetraodon lacrymatus | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Tetraodon meleagris | Anonymous | 1798 | Synonym |
| Tetraodon setosus | Smith | 1886 | Synonym |
| Tetrodon meleagris | Anonymous | 1798 | Synonym |
| Tetrodon setosus | Smith | 1886 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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