Family: |
Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae |
Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 46.0 g |
Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 18 - 22 m |
Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: South Africa (Knysna) eastward to Samoa (Ref. 4919); north to Japan (Ref. 559). |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Body covered with prickles (Ref. 559). Dark brown with pale greenish spots above, an intermediate pale yellow zone, white below (Ref. 4919). |
Biology: |
Inhabits small loose groups on shallow coastal sand flats and in estuaries. Often sleeps during the day by burrying itself under the sand with just eyes exposed (Ref. 48637). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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