White-spotted pufferfish
📖 Overview
This species has been observed by divers at 10-27 m on sandy bottom. Another population is found around 30 m at the northern part of Amami-oshima Island. Its behavior of building large geometric circles on sandy bottoms, makes this species unique. Female length . The circular structure plays an important role in influencing female mate choice, it functions to gather fine sand particles for constructing nests in preparaton for spawning .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal soft rays: 6; Vertebrae: 19. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 9, A 6; pectoral-fin rays 16 with the dorsal-most ray nubbin-like and rudimentary; vertebrate 8 + 11 = 19; mid-side of body (from behind pectoral- to caudal-fin base) without the solid, dark, longitudinal stripe nor rows of dark spots; dorsal half of head and body with fine brown reticulations and many white spots, while ventral half silvery white with many white spots from chin to above anal-fin origin; dorsal rim of eye is light yellow; head and body with many two-rooted spinules .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for White-spotted pufferfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 27 m . Tropical Northwest Pacific: Japan, Ryukyu Is.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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