How to Identify Stellate Pufferfish

To identify Stellate Pufferfish (Arothron stellatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

rounded

Coloration

Adults are typically pale grey to yellowish-brown, covered with numerous small, black spots that increase in density with age. The belly is usually white. Juveniles are distinctly different, often having large, irregular black blotches or bands on a white or yellowish background, with fewer, larger spots. The caudal fin is often yellow or orange in adults.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, robust body capable of inflation, Small, widely spaced black spots covering the entire body in adults, Absence of pelvic fins, Strong, beak-like dental plate formed by fused teeth

Dorsal fin

Single, small, and rounded, positioned far back on the body.

Tail fin

Large, rounded, and often yellowish or orange in adults.

Pectoral fin

Small and rounded, positioned laterally.

Distinctive fins

No pelvic fins. Dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body, opposite each other.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Adult coloration

   Adults are easily identified by their pale body covered in numerous small, black spots. The density and size of these spots increase with age.

2. 2

   Juvenile coloration

   Juveniles have a dramatically different pattern, typically featuring large, irregular black blotches or bands on a white or yellowish background. This can lead to confusion with other pufferfish species.

3. 3

   Size

   Arothron stellatus is one of the largest pufferfish species, reaching up to 120 cm (47 inches) in total length.

4. 4

   Body shape

   The characteristic robust, rounded, and inflatable body shape is typical of pufferfish, but its large size distinguishes it from many others.

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