Masked pufferfish
Arothron diadematus
Special features
With its black markings over the eyes, this pufferfish looks like a little gang member.
Appearance
It has a light-colored base with beige or brown marbling, which varies from individual to individual. Its distinctive feature is the black band over its eyes. The pectoral fins are white, narrow, and slightly downward-facing, while the other fins are black and rounded.
Natural enemies
Due to their toxic nature, pufferfish have very few natural enemies. Some large predatory fish, such as sharks, may occasionally prey on them but quickly realize they are not very appetizing.
Dangerous/Venomous
Pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin, one of the strongest natural poisons. Consuming them can cause muscle paralysis, including paralysis of the respiratory muscles, which can lead to suffocation and death.
Sketch
1. Distinctive feature: black band over eyes
2. Narrow pectoral fin
Pro tips
This pufferfish prefers coral-rich bays and fringing reefs. It is often found resting alone on the seabed, except during mating season, when it roams the waters in groups.
Despite their chubby and sluggish appearance, pufferfish are surprisingly agile swimmers. They can turn 180 degrees on the spot or even swim backward.
They are famous for their ability to inflate into a near-perfect sphere by sucking water into a special chamber in their stomach. This sudden size increase intimidates predators, often making them too large to fit into an attacker’s mouth.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Sabine Probst
