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Diamondback puffer (Lagocephalus guentheri) — Tetraodontidae

Diamondback puffer

Lagocephalus guentheri

The Diamondback puffer (Lagocephalus guentheri) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 37 cm.

Length
37.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Diamondback puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 37 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body with a white belly and a beak-like dentition. When threatened it can inflate itself with water. The back bears a dark, diamond-shaped pattern. Flesh and organs contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin and must never be eaten; touching is harmless.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Diamondback puffer?

The Diamondback puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Diamondback puffer live?

The Diamondback puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Diamondback puffer get?

The Diamondback puffer grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.

Is the Diamondback puffer dangerous to humans?

The Diamondback puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ruitrug-kogelvis sourced
English name
Diamondback puffer sourced
Scientific name
Lagocephalus guentheri
Family
Tetraodontidae
Other names
Diamondback puffer verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
37.4 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lagocephalus

More from the family Tetraodontidae

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