Arothron caeruleopunctatus Matsuura, 1994
Blue-spotted puffer
Arothron caeruleopunctatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Reunion and Maldives, eastward through Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the Coral Sea, and northward to Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal soft rays: 10-12. Description: Characterized by yellowish brown color on back and side grading to white on belly; presence of alternating light and dark rings around eye; pectoral fin base with black patch with white spots; head, body and median fins with small blue spots; head and body with spinules except posterior caudal peduncle, around eye, gill opening and base of dorsal and anal fins; bony interorbital width 2.4-2.9 in head length; rounded caudal fin, length 4.0-5.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found primarily in coral reefs. Also occurs in temperate waters. Solitary (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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