Star puffer fish

Scientific name : Arothron stellatus

Large puffer fish, grey colour with irregular darker blotches, finely peppered with black spots. Juveniles have black stripes and spots on a yellow-orange background. 120 cm. It feeds on sponges, corals, mobile invertebrates (mainly echinoderms). During the day adults like to rest laying on the sand. Adults often in proximity of large sponges. Juveniles associated with palm leaves, coconut shells, and in general with detritus. The maximum size is a good diagnostic (this is the largest amongst our puffer fishes). Confusion possible with Arothron mappa and Arothron caeruleopunctatus. The former has always radial lines around the eye, while the latter has concentric dark ring around the eye.