White-spotted Puffer
Arothron hispidus
White-spotted Puffer is a large, robust pufferfish with pale spots on a dark body and a blunt snout. It occurs on tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds, and can inflate when threatened. Like other puffers, it is not a target food fish.
Identification points
- Dark gray to brown body covered with many small white spots
- Rounded, blunt head with a small beaklike mouth and no visible pelvic fins
- Large, oval pufferfish body that can inflate and lacks obvious dorsal spines when relaxed
Habitat
Shallow tropical coastal waters: coral and rocky reefs, reef flats, lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves, and sheltered bays, usually over sand or rubble near structure.
Bait notes
Not a popular angling target; when caught incidentally, small pieces of shrimp, squid, clam, or crab on light bottom rigs may take it. Small reef lures and cut bait can also hook one near structure, but release is usually best.
Behavior
Commonly slow-moving and wary, often feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates, algae, and benthic prey picked from the bottom or reef surface. It may be solitary or in loose pairs and can inflate as a defense when approached.
Caution
Do not eat; Arothron puffers contain tetrodotoxin and are potentially deadly if consumed. The skin and spines can be irritating, and the fish can inflate and bite if handled.
Fishing notes
Use very light tackle and small hooks if collecting photos or avoiding bycatch in reef areas; expect strong jaws and short, powerful runs. Handle carefully and minimize air exposure, since puffers are prone to stress and have toxic flesh.