Map Puffer
Arothron mappa
Map Puffer (Arothron mappa) is a large tropical reef puffer with a pale body marked by dark, map-like reticulations and spots. It is common on lagoons and outer reef slopes across the Indo-Pacific, where it forages slowly on bottom invertebrates.
Identification points
- Cream to tan body covered in dark, irregular map-like lines and blotches
- Small dark spots often scattered over the body and fins
- Rounded puffer shape with a small beak-like mouth and no visible pelvic fins
Habitat
Tropical coral reefs, reef flats, lagoons, seaward reef slopes, and adjacent sandy or rubble bottoms; often seen near structure from shallow water to around 50 m.
Bait notes
Rarely targeted by anglers; pieces of shrimp, crab, squid, or clam may take it incidentally on bottom rigs. Small reef jigs or cut bait can hook one by accident, but it is not a preferred sport species.
Behavior
Slow-moving and wary, it cruises close to the bottom and picks at hard-shelled invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. It can inflate when threatened and is not a pursuit-feeding gamefish.
Caution
Contains tetrodotoxin and is not safe to eat; do not consume. Its skin and jaws can be dangerous to handle, and it may bite hard if grabbed. Check local rules before retaining any pufferfish.
Fishing notes
If encountered, use a simple bottom rig near reef structure and fish bait near the seabed. Handle minimally and avoid attempting to land by hand because of inflation and bites; most anglers release it immediately.