Arothron hispidus

Synonyms

White-spotted puffer fish

Distribution and Habitat

The white-spotted puffer (Arothron hispidus) is a species of pufferfish that is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its distribution extends through this area, including the Red Sea, to the eastern Pacific Ocean. A confirmed record was also reported from the eastern Mediterranean Sea off Cyprus.

In terms of habitat, the white-spotted puffer can be found at various depths, ranging from 0.1 to 120 meters (3 to 35 metres). It inhabits a variety of environments, including reefs, lagoons, estuaries, and tidepools. The species is also known to occur in areas with specific water conditions, such as a temperature range of 19.8 to 29 °C and a salinity of 32.2.

Description

The white-spotted puffer can grow up to 50 cm in length and weigh up to 2010 grams. It has a distinctive appearance, with a light grey or greyish-yellow coloration that is clearly covered with more or less regular white points. These white points form concentric contrasting white and dark grey lines that radiate around the eyes and pectoral fins. The ventral part of the body is white, while the "shoulder" area (around the pectoral fins) is dark.

Diet

The diet of the white-spotted puffer includes a variety of food sources, such as calcareous or coralline algae, molluscs, tunicates, sponges, corals, zoanthids, and crabs.

Conservation Status

This species is not considered to be endangered.