Stellate puffer
📖 Overview
Relatively uncommon in patch reefs and coral slopes near sandy areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles occur in sandy and weedy inner reefs, adults on clear lagoons and seaward reefs . Juveniles inshore, usually on muddy substrates and often estuarine. Adults on deep slopes and range to outer reefs, sometimes swimming high above the substrate or just below the surface. Pelagic larvae may disperse over great distance and juveniles occur in subtropical zone . Enter estuaries . Considered as the giant among puffers reaching a total length well in excess of a meter.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. Body covered with prickles . Juveniles with dark stripes on belly, becoming spots with growth; adults with or without spots on fin . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Stellate puffer is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 58 m . Tropical; 36°N - 48°S, 24°E - 132°W East Africa eastward through Indonesia to Tuamotus, northward to southern Japan, southward to Lord Howe Island.
🌿 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
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