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Ringed pufferfish (Omegophora armilla) — Tetraodontidae

Ringed pufferfish

Omegophora armilla

The Ringed pufferfish (Omegophora armilla) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–146 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The ringed pufferfish is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with a conspicuous dark ring around the pectoral-fin base and a beak-like dentition. When threatened it can inflate itself with water. With its mouth it crushes molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins. Flesh and organs contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin and must never be eaten; touching is harmless.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ringed pufferfish?

The Ringed pufferfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Ringed pufferfish live?

The Ringed pufferfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Ringed pufferfish get?

The Ringed pufferfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Ringed pufferfish dangerous to humans?

The Ringed pufferfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin in its skin, gut and organs and must never be eaten; there is no antidote. If swallowed and symptoms such as tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty appear: call emergency services immediately and support breathing. Touching is harmless; wash hands afterwards.

More photos

Ringed pufferfish (Omegophora armilla) — Tetraodontidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) leonie_rennie, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Ringed pufferfish (Omegophora armilla) — Tetraodontidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Warwick Moyse, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ringed pufferfish (Omegophora armilla) — Tetraodontidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Sam Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Ringed pufferfish (Omegophora armilla) — Tetraodontidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Peter Southwood (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Ringed pufferfish sourced
Scientific name
Omegophora armilla
Family
Tetraodontidae
Other names
Ringed toadfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
146 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
This fish contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin in its skin, gut and organs and must never be eaten; there is no antidote. If swallowed and symptoms such as tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty appear: call emergency services immediately and support breathing. Touching is harmless; wash hands afterwards. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Omegophora

More from the family Tetraodontidae

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