Lagocephalus lagocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Oceanic puffer
Lagocephalus lagocephalus
photo by Alvheim, O./Institute of Marine Research (IMR)

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  61 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,170.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 10 - 476 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Circumglobal: tropical to temperate seas.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-16; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Adults dark green, brownish grey, or blue above, white below; juveniles with about 9 bars on back, from eye to dorsal fin; dark spots on front and middle of belly and on side near pectoral base in specimens less than 33 cm (Ref. 4919).
Biology:  Primarily an oceanic (Ref. 2850, 2683), pelagic species but may enter estuaries (Ref. 4919). Feeds on crustaceans and squids (Ref. 10001). Suspected responsible for fatal poisoning (Ref. 4919). Should not be eaten (Ref. 36731).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  other


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