How to Identify Stars and Stripes Puffer

To identify Stars and Stripes Puffer (Arothron hispidus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

rounded

Coloration

Dorsal and lateral surfaces are typically dark brown to greenish-brown, covered with numerous small white spots. The ventral surface is white, often marked with 3-5 prominent dark, broad, transverse bars or stripes, which can be quite distinct. A dark band often encircles the base of the pectoral fins. A dark ring surrounds the eye.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Numerous small white spots covering the body, 3-5 broad, dark, transverse bars on the ventral side, Dark ring around the eye, Dark band at the pectoral fin base, Ability to inflate body

Dorsal fin

Single, small, rounded dorsal fin located far back on the body, typically with 10-11 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin, often with a dark margin.

Pectoral fin

Small, rounded pectoral fins, typically with 16-18 rays, often with a dark band at their base.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are absent. Anal fin is small and rounded, similar in shape and position to the dorsal fin, typically with 10-11 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the combination of numerous small white spots on a dark background and the distinctive broad, dark, transverse bars on the white ventral surface. This combination is unique among Arothron species.

2. 2

   Eye Ring

   A prominent dark ring around the eye is a consistent identifying feature.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fin Base

   The dark band at the base of the pectoral fins is another reliable marker.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults can reach a considerable size, up to 50 cm (20 inches) standard length, making them one of the larger pufferfish species.

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