Arothron multilineatus Matsuura, 2016
Many-lined pufferfish
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  43 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 2 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Japan (Ryukyu Is.); photographed from Mozambique and literature record from the Phlippines..
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal soft rays: 9-11; Vertebrae: 18-18. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 9 (10-11); A 10 (9-11); pectoral-fin rays 18 (19); vertebrae 9 + 9 = 18; colour of lateral and dorsal surfaces of head and body dark greenish-brown covered with many longitudinal white lines while the ventral surface of head and body white with light yellowish tinge; many spinules on head and body except on the lateral surface of the caudal peduncle, around mouth, eye, gill opening, and on dorsal- and anal-fin bases (Ref. 107899).
Biology:  This species has been observed by SCUBA divers from 10 m to 25 m on the sandy bottom along the south coast of Amami-oshima Island of the Ryukyu Islands (Ref. 107899). Feeds on corals, mollusks, and other sand-dwelling invertebrates (2935).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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