The Least puffer (Sphoeroides parvus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The least puffer (Sphoeroides parvus) is a small pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the western Atlantic. The species has a stocky body with a brownish, mottled pattern and reaches about 15 cm. It inhabits shallow, turbid coastal waters and estuaries over soft bottoms. Like other puffers it can inflate when threatened and its tissue contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin; consumption without proper knowledge is life-threatening. With its powerful incisor teeth it crushes crustaceans and mollusks. Owing to its small size and toxicity the species is of limited fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Least puffer?
The Least puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Least puffer live?
The Least puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Least puffer get?
The Least puffer grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Least puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Least puffer is harmless to humans.
Is the Least puffer edible?
The Least puffer is rarely eaten.
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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
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