Common name : Black-spotted puffer
Scientific name : Arothron nigropunctatus
Family : Tetraodontidae
Native to : Indian and Pacific Oceans
Interesting fact : The skin of thispuffer fish secretes mucus to protect itself from parasites.
Conservation status : Least Concern
This puffer fish has unique canine features giving it the common name. It holds a deadly poison and can inflate its body by swallowing air or water to ward off enemies. From grey to light brown, blue, yellow and orange, it changes body colour during its different phases. This solitary creature feeds on benthic invertebrates, sponges, algae, coral, crustaceans and molluscs.
