Starry puffer
Arothron stellatus
Special features
The Starry Puffer can proudly claim to be the largest of all pufferfish.
Appearance
Its light-colored body is covered in numerous small black spots, which become larger around the base of the fins. Its round, black eyes blend seamlessly into the dotted pattern.
Natural enemies
Due to their toxic nature, pufferfish have very few natural enemies. However, some large predatory fish, such as sharks, may occasionally attempt to eat them—only to quickly realize they are far from palatable.
Dangerous/Venomous
Pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin, one of the most potent natural venom. Consuming them can cause muscle paralysis, including paralysis of the respiratory muscles, which can lead to suffocation and death.
Sketch
1. Long snout
2. Dark dots
Pro tips
This fish thrives in deep lagoons and outer reefs. During the day, it often swims in midwater near the reef but also rests on sandy bottoms.
It has a diverse diet, feeding on sea urchins, crabs, starfish, mollusks, and various corals, including fire corals.
Juveniles prefer shallow, sheltered areas with rubble or sandy bottoms, where they can easily hide.
Despite their chubby and sluggish appearance, pufferfish are surprisingly agile swimmers. They can execute sharp 180-degree turns on the spot or even swim backward.
One of their most famous traits is their ability to inflate into a near-perfect sphere. To do this, they suck water into a special chamber in their stomach, making themselves look much larger and intimidating to predators. Once inflated, their new size often prevents them from fitting into a predator’s mouth, effectively discouraging an attack.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Sabine Probst
