Pygmy puffer
📖 Overview
Pygmy puffer (Sphoeroides trichocephalus) 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 10.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, 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.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Pygmy puffer is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pygmy puffer is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Pygmy puffer is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Pygmy puffer is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical; 10°N - 7°N
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pygmy 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
Detailed nutritional data for Pygmy puffer is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pygmy puffer has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sphoeroides fuerthii | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Sphoeroides tricocephalus | Cope | 1870 | Synonym |
| Tetraodon fuerthii | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Tetraodon trichocephalus | Cope | 1870 | Synonym |
| Tetrodon fuerthii | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Tetrodon furthii | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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