Description

Also known as Blowfish, Checkered Puffer, Pufferfish, Swelltoad, Toadfish.

Found singly, or in schools, over rubble, sand, and seagrass beds, in protected, shallow, coastal bays, tidal creeks, and coastal reefs, hiding by burying in the sand, when alarmed.
They feed on benthic invertebrates and molluscs.
Length - 38cm
Depth - 1-48m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean

The bodies of Pufferfish are covered in a toxic mucus, if the skin or flesh is consumed it can be fatal to humans.
When threatened they will puff up like a football to deter predators. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/1242