Guineafowl Puffer and Similar Species
Arothron meleagris
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Guineafowl Puffer. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Starry Puffer
Arothron stellatus
Key differences: Arothron stellatus typically has larger, more irregularly shaped spots, especially on the belly, and often has a more elongated body shape as an adult. Juveniles of A. stellatus can be confused with A. meleagris, but adult A. stellatus are much larger and have a distinct pattern of black spots on a white or pale background, which are generally larger and less uniform than those of the guineafowl phase of A. meleagris. A. stellatus does not exhibit a golden phase.
Blackspotted Puffer
Arothron nigropunctatus
Key differences: Arothron nigropunctatus is typically grey, brown, or yellowish with distinct black spots, particularly around the pectoral fin base and sometimes on the head. It lacks the uniform small white spots of the guineafowl phase and the solid yellow coloration of the golden phase of A. meleagris. Its spots are generally larger and fewer than those of A. meleagris.
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