Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean puffer (Sphoeroides marmoratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Africa: Angola, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Portugal, Madeira Is., Azores Is. and others
Description
The Guinean puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, from Iberia to West Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a marbled pattern of brown on a lighter ground; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes molluscs and crustaceans. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean puffer?
The Guinean puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Guinean puffer live?
The Guinean puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Angola, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Portugal, Madeira Is., Azores Is. and others
How big does the Guinean puffer get?
The Guinean puffer grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Guinean puffer dangerous to humans?
The flesh of the Guinean puffer is poisonous, so don't eat it. It has no venomous spines. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve poison with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
Is the Guinean puffer edible?
Yes, the Guinean puffer is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Guinean puffer and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sphoeroides
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Guinean puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinean puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone