Southern Puffer
Sphoeroides nephelus
Also known as: Blowfish, Pufferfish, Southern Smooth Puffer, Swelltoad, Toadfish
- Blowfish
- Pufferfish
- Southern Smooth Puffer
- Swelltoad
- Toadfish
Overview
Found singly, or in small schools, over rubble, sand, and seagrass beds, in protected coastal waters, of bays and estuaries. Hiding by burying in the sand when alarmed.
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Atlantic
- Country only · 2
Found singly, or in small schools, over rubble, sand, and seagrass beds, in protected coastal waters, of bays and estuaries.
Adult photos 2
Discussion
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Deep dive
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