Come identificare Starry Pufferfish

Per identificare Starry Pufferfish (Arothron stellatus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

rounded

Colorazione

Juveniles are black with numerous small white spots. Adults transition to a yellowish-brown to grey background with fewer, larger black spots. The belly is typically lighter. The fins are often yellowish or dusky.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Large, robust, inflatable body, Small, widely spaced eyes, Absence of pelvic fins, Beak-like mouth formed by fused teeth, Skin covered in small, erectile spines (often not visible unless inflated), Coloration changes significantly with age (juvenile vs. adult patterns)

Pinna dorsale

Single, small, and set far back on the body, typically with 10-12 soft rays.

Pinna caudale

Rounded to truncate, relatively small compared to body size.

Pinna pettorale

Small, fan-like, located just behind the gill openings, typically with 16-19 soft rays.

Pinne distintive

Absence of pelvic fins. All fins are soft-rayed.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   One of the largest pufferfish species, reaching up to 120 cm (47 inches) in total length. Its body is robust and capable of significant inflation.

2. 2

   Coloration (Age-dependent)

   Juveniles are unmistakable with a black body covered in numerous small, bright white spots. Adults have a lighter background (yellowish-brown to grey) with fewer, larger black spots. This ontogenetic color change is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Possesses a strong, beak-like mouth with four fused teeth, characteristic of pufferfish, used for crushing hard-shelled prey.

4. 4

   Spines

   Skin is covered in small, erectile spines, which are usually recumbent and not easily visible unless the fish is inflated.

Esplora Starry Pufferfish