The Blackedged blaasop (Arothron immaculatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Description
The immaculate puffer is a pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 37 cm and has a stocky, plain grey-brown body with a yellow belly and a dark margin around the tail-fin base. It inhabits weedy areas, often in estuaries and seagrass beds. With its beak-like fused jaw plates it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and worms. Like other puffers it can inflate itself with water, and its skin and organs can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackedged blaasop?
The Blackedged blaasop has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Blackedged blaasop live?
The Blackedged blaasop lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.
How big does the Blackedged blaasop get?
The Blackedged blaasop grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Blackedged blaasop dangerous to humans?
The Blackedged blaasop is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.
Is the Blackedged blaasop edible?
The Blackedged blaasop is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arothron
More from the family Tetraodontidae
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